Several students appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test in Bengaluru on Sunday missed their examinations due to severe traffic congestion caused by a Congress party event. The traffic snarls, which affected multiple routes across the city, led to delays that prevented some candidates from reaching their test centers on time.
Student from Magadi Affected
One of the affected students, who was traveling from Magadi, reported that they could not get a bus on time due to the heavy traffic and subsequently arrived at the examination center late. The student, whose identity has not been disclosed, was among several candidates who faced similar difficulties.
Congress Event Blamed for Snarls
The traffic disruptions were attributed to a large gathering organized by the Congress party in the city. The event drew significant crowds and led to road closures and diversions, compounding the usual weekend traffic. According to local reports, the police had to manage the situation, but the congestion persisted for several hours.
“We were stuck in traffic for over an hour. By the time we reached the center, the gates were already closed,” said another student who wished to remain anonymous. The student added that many others were seen pleading with officials to allow them entry, but to no avail.
Impact on NEET Re-test
The NEET-UG 2026 re-test was conducted for candidates who had missed the original exam due to various reasons. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had scheduled the re-test at designated centers across the country. In Bengaluru, several centers reported that a number of students arrived late, and despite their requests, they were not permitted to take the exam.
The NTA has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incidents. However, affected students and parents have taken to social media to express their frustration and demand a re-scheduling of the exam for those who missed it due to the traffic jam.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time that traffic congestion has disrupted competitive exams in Bengaluru. In previous years, exams such as the Common Entrance Test (CET) and other national-level tests have been affected by similar issues. Activists have repeatedly called for better planning and coordination between exam authorities and local traffic police to avoid such disruptions.
As of now, it is unclear whether the NTA will consider the requests for a second re-test. The agency has a strict policy regarding late arrivals, and exceptions are rarely made unless there are extraordinary circumstances. The traffic snarls caused by the Congress event have once again highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and contingency planning for major examinations.
