Mangaluru: NEET-UG was conducted smoothly across Dakshina Kannada on Sunday under tighter security and stricter entry procedures compared to the previous year. A total of 8,323 students out of 8,587 registered candidates appeared for the examination held at 18 centres in the district.
Exam Centres and Arrangements
Most centres were located in government and aided colleges. Despite harsh weather conditions, candidates, parents, and guardians began arriving from late morning. At St Agnes College, candidates arrived as early as 11 am. Entry was permitted only after verification of admit cards. Similar arrangements were in place at Government PU College for Women in Balmatta, St Aloysius PU College, and St Aloysius (deemed to be university), where officials monitored entry and ensured orderly movement of students.
Candidates from Distant Areas
Candidates travelled from Moodubidire, Belthangady, Puttur, and neighbouring Kerala. Authorities and support staff managed crowds outside centres, helping the test begin on time without disruption. Traffic congestion was reported in parts of the city and its outskirts, attributed to the examination and major functions held on Sunday.
Revised Exam Pattern
MA Khan, vice-chancellor of Karnatak University, Dharwad, who came to drop his daughter at a centre, noted that the pattern had changed this year. The new pattern includes more statement-based, assertion-reason, and conceptual questions across subjects. All 180 questions are compulsory, with section A/section B and optional questions removed. Students appeared aware of the revised pattern and increased difficulty this year.
Student Preparedness
One candidate, revising until the last minute, mentioned that many aspirants prepared more thoroughly after last year's difficult paper. The tougher previous examination prompted him to study more seriously this time. The overall process in Mangaluru remained orderly, with strong attendance and enhanced security measures in place.
