The National Testing Agency (NTA) has scheduled a mandatory re-examination for the NEET-UG 2026 exam on June 21, following the cancellation of the original test held on May 3 due to a paper leak. This decision directly impacts approximately 5,000 candidates in Ludhiana who took the initial test across 15 local government schools and colleges, triggering a wave of mixed reactions from students and parents.
Frustration and Disappointment Among Students
For many, the sudden announcement shattered hard-earned relief. Harshit Tiwari, a Ludhiana student currently holidaying in Uttar Pradesh, expressed his frustration: “I am currently in my hometown, Uttar Pradesh on vacation with my family after giving the NEET test held on May 3. Now I have to go back to Ludhiana as I want to appear in the next scheduled test. My vacation and family time are both affected due to this, and I am also feeling stressed about preparing once again, but I will manage somehow.”
Similarly, high-scoring aspirants face intense disappointment. Jasmeet shared that her family had to scrap a planned June trip, adding, “My confidence is not the same as it was in the previous test but it is of no value now... I am sure my previous test was a way better and I would have scored more marks.” Another candidate, Anamika, echoed this anxiety: “I was confident that I would score well in the previous test... Now I am not sure and confident about the next test. I have started attending the online classes in preparation but the cancellation of the test in which I did my best is disappointing.”
Relief for Missed Candidates
Conversely, the reschedule emerged as an unexpected lifeline for students who missed the first round. Ramanpreet Singh, a student from Moga studying in Ludhiana, explained: “I missed the previous test that was scheduled for May 3 because of some personal reasons. This is a chance for me to appear in the test without dropping my current year. I have started preparing once again.”
Mental Health Concerns Intensify
The erratic changes have also intensified mental health concerns among families. Rupinder Kaur, parent of a repeat candidate, highlighted the severe psychological toll the cancellation has taken on vulnerable students. “These days we are observing the cases of students that have taken serious risks and life-ending steps like suicide,” Kaur said. “This was my daughter’s second attempt, and I am observing that she is also feeling depressed about the situation. My family is trying to make her feel better and comfortable. She is feeling scared about appearing once again in the test as the exam might be very difficult. However, this would be the final call for her, as next year the test will be conducted online. That might be another challenge for the candidates.”
