Several candidates were denied entry for arriving late at NEET-UG re-examination centres on Sunday, with traffic jams, documentation issues and entry-related disputes reported from different parts of the states. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the re-examination under heightened security, but incidents across India highlighted procedural rigidity and logistical challenges.
Delhi: Student Alleges Timely Arrival but Denied Entry
In Delhi, a student who missed the re-examination alleged that she reached the venue on time but was still not allowed to enter. The student said, "We reached the examination centre at 1.30 pm, but the authorities refused to open the centre gate." The incident raised questions about gate management and adherence to the 1:30 pm deadline.
Mumbai: Protests After Gate Closure
In Mumbai, tensions rose outside Maharishi Dayanand College in the Parel area after two candidates were denied entry for reaching the centre after the prescribed deadline. The college administration closed the gates as per the examination schedule, leading to protests by the students. One candidate was from Kurla, while the other had travelled from Dombivli, highlighting the challenges faced by out-of-town aspirants.
Bengaluru: Traffic from Congress Rally Blamed
Similar scenes were reported in Bengaluru, where four candidates were denied entry after arriving shortly after the 1:30 pm cut-off. Parents blamed heavy traffic caused by a Congress rally and alleged that there was inadequate traffic management near the examination centre. According to eyewitnesses, an announcement was made at 1:29 pm warning candidates that the gates were about to close. The main gate was locked at exactly 1:30 pm in accordance with NEET guidelines.
Three girls reportedly arrived at 1:32 pm and climbed over a railing after finding the main gate closed. However, they were unable to enter the examination hall because the inner gate had also been locked. Another candidate was also said to have missed entry by a minute. Parents expressed anger over the situation, claiming that severe traffic congestion prevented students from reaching the centre on time. "We left on time but got stuck. Our children's future is at stake," a parent said. They also alleged that officials at the centre did not respond to repeated requests for leniency, and the students were turned away despite managing to enter the campus.
Rajasthan: Burqa Controversy at Exam Centre
In Rajasthan, a separate controversy emerged when a candidate wearing a burqa claimed she was denied entry unless she removed parts of her attire. A candidate, named Kulsum Bano, said, "I have come from Beawar to take the NEET exam. When I took the exam on May 3, I was wearing the same attire that I am wearing now: a burqa and a dupatta. Initially, they said I would have to remove the dupatta to enter; then they insisted I had to remove the burqa as well. If the NTA has permitted us, these people cannot stop us... If I am to take the exam and they don't allow me in this attire, then I simply won't take it... It is shameful that they are messing with 18-year-olds like this... The exam doesn't matter to me; what matters is my burqa and my identity." The incident sparked debate over religious attire and examination protocols.
Uttar Pradesh: Google Maps Misguidance and Lost Photograph
In Uttar Pradesh, several candidates reportedly failed to reach their designated centre after allegedly being directed to the wrong location by Google Maps. As a result, they were unable to arrive at R.N. Inter College before the deadline and were denied entry. One candidate said a misplaced photograph led to him missing the examination despite initially reaching the centre. On being denied entry for the NEET re-examination, a candidate said, "I had brought a photograph with me, but it fell out of my pocket. When I arrived at the examination centre for biometric verification, officials informed me that my photograph was missing. At that point, I made the mistake of not completing the entry process. Had I done so, I could have submitted the photograph later. Instead, I went back to retrieve it, which caused a delay. The officials had told me to bring the photograph and assured me that the gate would remain open until then. Based on that assurance, I left to get it..."
Bhopal: Road Accident Causes Delay
In Bhopal, two candidates were denied entry after arriving late. One student's family said the delay occurred because they were involved in a road accident on the way to the examination centre. Amir Qadri, uncle of one of the aspirants, said, "I have come here with my nephew for his examination. While on our way to the examination centre, we met with an accident and got a bit late, as my nephew received first aid. Now that we have reached here, we are being denied entry. The authorities are saying the exam has already begun and that it will not be possible to permit us entry."
Authorities Cite Strict NTA Rules
Examination authorities maintained that they were following National Testing Agency rules, which do not allow entry after 1:30 pm under any circumstances. The NEET-UG re-examination was conducted across the country under heightened security arrangements to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the test.
