More than 22 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday, making it one of the largest entrance tests ever conducted in India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) organized the re-test after the original examination held on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak, prompting authorities to undertake extensive measures to restore confidence in the examination process.
According to official updates, around 22.7 lakh candidates took the examination at 5,440 centres across India and 14 centres abroad. The exam was conducted from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm under an unprecedented security blanket that included AI-enabled surveillance, biometric verification, facial authentication, CCTV monitoring, signal jammers, frisking teams, dog squads and heavy police deployment.
Authorities across states coordinated closely to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination. Question papers were transported under strict security protocols, examination centres were sanitised and sealed in advance, and multi-layer verification systems were introduced to prevent impersonation and malpractice. Several states also implemented special traffic management plans and deployed additional personnel around examination centres.
The NTA described the re-examination as a collective national effort involving multiple ministries, state governments, police forces and examination staff. Reports indicated that nearly seven lakh officials were mobilised nationwide, while special arrangements were made for candidates with disabilities and those facing medical challenges.
Student reactions were mixed, with many describing the paper as moderate to difficult, particularly the Physics section. While candidates expressed relief after finally completing the examination following weeks of uncertainty, many remained anxious about cut-offs and results. Despite a few logistical and dress-code-related discussions, the re-test was largely conducted without major disruptions.
The successful completion of the re-exam now shifts focus to answer keys, evaluation and the eventual declaration of results, which will determine admissions to medical colleges across the country.
