The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday clarified that a NEET (UG) candidate from Nasik was allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi for the retest because the aspirant himself had applied for it. Highlighting web-activity records, the test-conducting body stated that the city change was made through the candidate's own registered login credentials during the open correction window. The NTA also noted that the centre was previewed twice from the candidate's account.
NTA's Statement on Centre Mix-Up
"NTA's web-activity records indicate that the city change in this case was made through the candidate's own registered login during the open correction window, with a consistent single-user access pattern," the agency said hours after allotting the candidate a centre of his choice. "Despite that, NTA has acceded to the aspirant’s request and the change of centre was actioned."
What Actually Happened
An 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Nagpur, Abdullah Mohammad Talib, was shocked to find his examination centre listed as Abu Dhabi, 2,500 km away, despite not having a passport. The NTA provides exam centres abroad, but typically for NRI and international students. The hall ticket, generated on June 14, showed the Abu Dhabi Indian School as the exam centre. The family contacted the NTA helpline, and the error was rectified within hours.
Background of the Retest
After the NEET examination was cancelled last month, the NTA sent messages to registered mobile numbers of parents and students asking whether they wanted to retain their existing centre or choose a new one. The NTA also sought bank details for a refund of the Rs 2,500 exam fee. No new fee was charged. Many parents claimed they selected the option to keep the original exam centre, especially those in Nagpur city limits. However, after downloading fresh hall tickets, some found their centres in far-flung locations, even in other districts.
