Over 20 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the NEET UG re-examination on Sunday, held across 5,440 centres in India and 14 centres abroad, amid enhanced security measures including jammers, two-layer frisking, and Aadhaar-based biometric verification. The examination was conducted in 13 languages, including Hindi and English, with the support of approximately seven lakh officials, including police personnel, observers, and examination staff, mobilised across the country within a record 37 days.
Enhanced Security and Surveillance
The National Testing Agency (NTA) implemented Aadhaar-based biometric verification and face authentication, CCTV monitoring, jammers, and two-layer frisking with state police support. Command and control centres for CCTV monitoring were established at the national level at the NTA and the Ministry of Education, along with 34 centrally funded institutions of the Department of Higher Education in every state and at district collectorates.
The examination involved support from multiple agencies, including the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Posts, Indian Air Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education, and banking partners such as SBI, Canara Bank, PNB, and UCO Bank, along with state governments and other stakeholders.
Student Support and Special Arrangements
Several state governments arranged for shade, drinking water, food, ambulances, and medical facilities for students and parents. Free transportation was provided to candidates on examination day in many states. The NTA made extensive arrangements for over 10,000 persons with disabilities and around 81 candidates with medical conditions.
One candidate, Shrishti Dubey, scheduled to appear at Binodini Girls High School in Dhakuria, Kolkata, had met with a major road accident on June 14, suffering fractures to nine ribs and serious lung injuries. She underwent major vascular surgery and was placed on artificial ventilation. Though extubated and recovering, she remained determined to appear for NEET. The NTA said her father approached the agency and informed it that ILS Hospital would provide necessary medical support, including doctors, paramedics, and related arrangements. He also requested a ground-floor room with a chair and table for his daughter. The NTA allotted a separate room, arranged medical support, and kept an ambulance on standby at the examination centre. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also spoke to Shrishti’s parents.
Paper Analysis and Complaints
Vinod Kumavat, president of ALLEN Career Institute, Kota, said the overall level of the paper was above average. “The physics and chemistry papers were conceptual in nature. Some questions were lengthy and tricky as well. In physics, Question No. 26 of Paper Code-50, based on unit dimensions, appears to have no correct answer among the options provided. Therefore, there is a possibility of bonus marks being awarded for this question,” he said.
However, complaints surfaced from several centres in Bengaluru and Bhopal where students were allegedly denied entry after reaching the examination centres late.
