The highly-awaited NEET UG 2026 re-examination commenced nationwide on Sunday, shielded by extraordinary security arrangements and heightened security, almost 1.5 months after the original test was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak, which kicked up a row. 

More than 22 lakh medical aspirants are taking the exam, which is being conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) at thousands of centres across India and overseas. 

The credibility of the examination system is under intense scrutiny and public focus, as authorities have deployed an unprecedented security and monitoring network to ensure a smooth and transparent process. 

Extensive arrangements ensured for candidates

The NTA has announced a string of measures aimed at creating a fair and candidate-friendly environment. Entry to exam centres began at 11 am, while candidates are being allowed inside only until 1:30 pm. Officials have clarified that no entry shall be permitted after the deadline.

To ease exam-day stress and help candidates cope with the scorching heat, drinking water facilities, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), ambulances and shaded waiting areas have been laid at all the exam centres for accompanying parents and guardians. 

Candidates are being provided pens at the centres, while every exam has been fitted with a wall clock. Additional rough-work sheets have also been arranged, and special provisions have been made for left-handed candidates. Moreover, the exam duration has been extended to compensate for the time spent on verification and entry procedures. 

Massive security network deployed

The re-exam is being held at 5,440 centres across 551 Indian cities and 14 locations overseas. According to the NTA, more than 95,000 examination rooms are under CCTV surveillance. 

As many as 1.38,560 CCTV cameras have been installed, with live monitoring taking place at national, state and ministry levels. To curb electronic malpractice, authorities have deployed 51,311 jammers, sourced from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). 

Security arrangements have further been strengthened, as 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric verification staff have been deployed. Face authentication technology is also being utilised alongside biometric checks to ensure seamless and stringent verification. 

Education Minister Pradhan urges students to remain calm

Ahead of the exam, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged students to take the test without fear and appealed to political leaders, as well as public figures not to add to candidates’ anxiety. 

He also took a veiled dig at the opposition parties, criticising what he described as attempts to exploit students’ concerns during the controversy. He called for collective responsibility, emphasising that the future and mental well-being of millions of students should remain the top priority.