The National Testing Agency (NTA) has acknowledged a mix-up in which a candidate from Nagpur was assigned a test centre in Abu Dhabi for the NEET UG re-examination. The error, which came to light on 21 June 2026, prompted the NTA to issue a statement assuring the student that the issue would be resolved promptly.
What Happened
The student, who had applied for the NEET UG re-test scheduled for later this year, received an admit card listing a test centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, instead of a location in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The discrepancy was flagged by the student and subsequently reported by local media.
According to the student's family, they had clearly selected a Nagpur centre during the application process and were shocked to see the Abu Dhabi assignment. The mix-up raised concerns about the NTA's verification processes, especially given the high-stakes nature of the NEET UG examination, which determines admission to medical colleges across India.
NTA Response
The NTA was quick to respond, saying: 'The grievance is being addressed and the candidate will be allocated a centre in Nagpur, after due verification, in the next few hours.' The agency also stated that it would review its system to prevent similar errors in the future.
This incident is not the first time the NTA has faced criticism over centre allocation errors. In previous years, candidates have reported being assigned centres hundreds of kilometres away from their preferred locations, leading to logistical and financial hardships.
Impact on the Student
For the Nagpur student, the error could have caused significant disruption. Travelling to Abu Dhabi would have involved obtaining a passport, visa, and arranging international travel, all within a short timeframe. The student's family expressed relief that the NTA acted swiftly to correct the mistake.
The NEET UG re-test is being conducted for a limited number of candidates who faced technical glitches or other issues during the main examination held earlier this year. The NTA has assured all affected candidates that their concerns will be addressed on a priority basis.
Background
NEET UG is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, with over 2 million candidates appearing annually. The re-test was announced after reports of irregularities and technical problems in the original exam, leading to demands for a fair and transparent process.
The NTA, which conducts the exam, has faced multiple challenges in ensuring smooth conduct, including server failures and centre allocation errors. This latest incident underscores the need for robust verification mechanisms to avoid such mix-ups in the future.
