NEET-UG retest held under tight security; officials cite anti-malpractice measures amid concerns

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has begun the evaluation of answer sheets for the NEET-UG re-examination, with results expected to be declared soon, official sources said on Tuesday.More than 10,000 objections have been received on the provisional answer key, with each challenge being examined thoroughly, sources added.Higher Education Ministry & NTA Officials To Brief Parliamentary Panel On NEET-UG Re-Exam & Reforms To Strengthen Testing Agency On June 21, the high-stakes re-examination for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 concluded across the country and 14 destinations abroad.The re-examination was necessitated following the alleged paper leak case, which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency has made several arrests in connection with the case.More than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination across 5,440 centres in India and 14 centres abroad, with the examination being conducted in 13 languages, including Hindi and English, an official release from the National Testing Agency (NTA) said.NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam: NTA Says 'Don't Spread Rumours' About Paper Leak; Warns of Legal Action As per the NTA release, the successful conduct of the examination was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple government agencies, institutions and personnel across the country.The NTA said extensive arrangements were made for all candidates, including more than 10,000 Persons with Disabilities. Special provisions were also made for around 81 candidates with medical conditions, including a child recovering from a road accident and another undergoing chemotherapy, to ensure they could appear for the examination.The examination process received support from several 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 (MeitY), 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. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded members of his Cabinet for ensuring the smooth conduct of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, describing it as an example of effective coordination across government departments.During a Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister acknowledged the collective efforts of various ministries and agencies involved in organising one of the country's largest entrance examinations. According to the India Today reports, Modi said the successful conduct of the re-exam reflected a "whole-of-government" approach, where different departments worked together with a common objective.He reportedly urged ministers to adopt the same model of cooperation in other areas of governance, stressing that challenges become easier to overcome when institutions work in coordination rather than in isolation.Teamwork delivers smooth examinationThe Prime Minister's remarks came days after the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET UG 2026 re-examination for more than 22 lakh medical aspirants across India and abroad.Held on June 21, the examination took place at thousands of centres spread across the country and overseas locations. Authorities had put in place extensive arrangements, including surveillance systems, monitoring centres and coordination mechanisms involving multiple departments, to ensure the examination was conducted without disruptions.According to Modi, the successful execution of the examination demonstrated how collaborative governance can deliver results in large-scale national exercises.NTA appreciation messageFollowing the successful completion of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, the National Testing Agency issued a message of appreciation to what it called "Team Bharat", a nationwide network of officials, institutions, security personnel, subject experts and government agencies involved in conducting the examination.The agency noted that more than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the test, which was conducted at 5,440 centres across India and 14 centres abroad. The examination was held in 13 languages, including English and Hindi, under an extensive security and monitoring framework designed to ensure fairness and transparency.According to the NTA, the smooth conduct of the examination was the result of coordinated efforts by multiple stakeholders rather than the work of any single institution.In its post-examination message, the agency highlighted the role played by district administrations, law enforcement agencies, examination officials, invigilators, technical teams and educational institutions in managing the large-scale exercise."To every candidate who wrote on June 21, well done. And to everyone who made it possible: thank you. Team NTA. Team Bharat. One exam, delivered together," the agency said.The NTA's remarks echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's observations during the Cabinet meeting, where he described the successful conduct of the examination as an example of a "whole-of-government" approach. Both the government and the agency have pointed to coordination across departments and institutions as a key factor behind the smooth execution of one of the world's largest entrance examinations.

West Bengal: A Re-NEET candidate has alleged that she was subjected to an invasive and humiliating frisking procedure at her examination centre in West Bengal, raising questions about the limits of security checks conducted during high-stakes entrance examinations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrishika Pal (@hrishikaapal)Hrishika Pal, who appeared for the Re-NEET examination at Malda Bibhutibhusan High School, shared her experience in a social media post that goes with the ID, hrishikaapal on Instagram, that has since drawn widespread attention and sparked discussions about candidate dignity during exam-day security procedures.According to Pal, the incident occurred during the frisking process before she was allowed to enter the examination centre. She claimed that a female staff member asked whether she was menstruating and, after she replied in the affirmative, instructed her to lower her pants so that her sanitary pad could be inspected.“This was not a routine security check over clothing,” Pal wrote. “I was made to expose an intimate part of my body in order to gain entry to an examination that determines the future of lakhs of students.”She said the experience left her feeling “shocked, embarrassed and powerless,” adding that she feared refusing the instruction could jeopardise her entry into the examination hall.Candidate questions procedureIn her post, Pal questioned whether such a procedure was officially authorised and whether other candidates had undergone similar checks.“Security checks are necessary. Humiliation is not,” she wrote, calling for greater clarity on where examination authorities draw the line between ensuring fairness and respecting personal dignity.In a follow-up statement, she said she had spoken with several female candidates who appeared for the Re-NEET examination at different centres. According to her, none reported being asked about their menstrual status or subjected to a similar inspection.“I spoke to several female candidates who appeared for Re-NEET at different examination centres. None of them were asked whether they were on their periods, nor were they subjected to this kind of inspection,” she stated. She further alleged that, based on what she observed, the checks at her centre appeared to be targeted specifically at candidates who disclosed that they were menstruating.Social media reactions surfaceFollowing Hrishika Pal's post, several social media users shared their own experiences and reactions, with some alleging that they had faced similar checks during medical entrance examinations.One user claimed that a comparable procedure was followed during last year's NEET examination at a centre in Malda."Last year I was on my periods during NEET and my centre was Sahapur High School, Malda. I was asked the same question and after saying yes the female guard ran her hands down from the front to back feeling my pad over my pants."Another individual alleged that she underwent a similar experience during the recent Re-NEET examination at a centre in Kolkata."Yesterday with me same thing happened. My centre was Beleghata Santi Sangha Girls' School. Even I told them I am feeling uncomfortable, still they wanted me to lower my pants. I asked the teachers and they didn't even listen to me. @nta_india I want answer. You don't have the right to check us like this."Many users also expressed support for Pal and questioned whether such frisking methods were justified."I am so sorry. You deserved better. You are strong that you came forward with it."Another comment criticised what the user described as an imbalance in accountability between students and authorities."When a student makes a mistake, they are punished immediately. When the system makes a mistake, students are expected to suffer in silence."Some users advised the candidate to formally raise the matter with authorities responsible for women's rights and grievance redressal."Inform the State as well as Central Women Commission from the official website. Post these on Twitter also and tag these two commissions and their heads."While the comments have amplified concerns surrounding frisking procedures at examination centres, the claims made by social media users have not been independently verified. Neither the National Testing Agency National Testing Agency (NTA) nor the concerned examination centres had issued a response to these specific allegations at the time of writing.Calls for clarificationThe allegations have led to much discussion on social media, where many users have raised questions about whether the frisking process mentioned by the candidate conforms to the existing examination guidelines. There have also been demands for an explanation by the concerned authorities about the processes conducted at the examination centre.So far, no official statement from either the examination authorities or the centre in question with regard to the allegations raised by the candidate has been made.Re-NEET conducted for over 22 Lakh aspirantsThe National Testing Agency conducted the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21 for more than 22.79 lakh medical aspirants in India and abroad.The examination was held in a single shift from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. The pen-and-paper test consisted of 180 questions from Physics, Chemistry and Biology, carrying a total of 720 marks. The exam was conducted in English and 12 Indian languages.Disclaimer: FPJ does not vouch for the authenticity of the claims mentioned in the post.

Dharmendra Pradhan said lessons from past challenges helped ensure the successful conduct of NEET UG Retest 2026, with stricter security measures and reforms planned.

NEET UG Re-exam 2026: A major examination fraud racket linked to the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination has been busted in Bihar's Lakhisarai district, leading to the arrest of 24 people, including medical students from some of the country's prominent institutions. The crackdown came just a day after the nationwide re-test was conducted on June 21.According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, investigators uncovered a well-organised proxy examination network that allegedly arranged for candidates to appear in the medical entrance test on behalf of others in exchange for large sums of money. Preliminary findings suggest that deals ranging between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh were struck to secure admissions through fraudulent means.Among those arrested are medical students associated with Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Gaya Medical College, AIIMS Raebareli and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), as reported by India.com. Police believe these students were recruited to impersonate genuine NEET aspirants during the examination.As per various media reports, the arrests were made during coordinated raids conducted at multiple examination centres, including Government High School Hasanpur, KRK Higher Secondary School and Kendriya Vidyalaya in Lakhisarai. Authorities also detained 14 employees of the agency responsible for biometric verification at examination centres, raising concerns about possible lapses in identity-checking procedures.Investigators have also arrested the alleged mastermind believed to be behind the operation. During the raids, police recovered mobile phones and several important documents that are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Conducted Successfully In Doha With 598 Candidates Amid Tight Security Across India & AbroadAccording to the media reports, Lakhisarai Superintendent of Police Prerna Kumar said the probe is examining the full extent of the network and whether similar activities were carried out at other centres. Officials are also analysing digital evidence seized from the accused to identify additional beneficiaries and facilitators connected to the racket.The development comes at a time when NEET-UG 2026 is already under intense scrutiny. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had conducted the re-examination on June 21 after cancelling the original May 3 test amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of question paper leaks.NEET Aspirant Arrested In Varanasi After SIM Card, Exam Material Found Hidden In UndergarmentsThe re-test was one of the largest examinations ever conducted in the country under heightened security measures. More than 22 lakh candidates appeared for the examination across 5,440 centres located in 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. The examination was held from 2 pm to 5.15 pm, with eligible candidates with disabilities receiving additional compensatory time.Authorities had deployed extensive security arrangements, including biometric verification, enhanced surveillance and strict monitoring protocols, to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

Doha: The Embassy of India in Qatar announced that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 was successfully conducted in Doha, with 598 students appearing for the examination. In a post on X on Sunday, the Indian mission thanked the National Testing Agency (NTA), Indian schools in Qatar, and all stakeholders involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the examination.NEET 2026 was successfully conducted in Doha, Qatar. A total of 598 students appeared from Doha. We thank NTA, Indian schools in Qatar and everyone involved for the smooth conduct of the examination. Wishing all candidates the very best! @MEAIndia @EduMinOfIndia @NTA_Exams…— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) June 21, 2026 The embassy also extended its best wishes to all candidates who appeared for the examination and are awaiting their results. "NEET 2026 was successfully conducted in Doha, Qatar. A total of 598 students appeared from Doha. We thank NTA, Indian schools in Qatar and everyone involved for the smooth conduct of the examination. Wishing all candidates the very best!" the Embassy of India in Qatar said. The examination is one of India's most important entrance tests for admission to undergraduate medical and dental programmes and is also conducted at select overseas centres for eligible Indian and foreign candidates.NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Conducted Across 5,440 Centres; NTA Thanks ‘Team Bharat’ For Delivering One Of India's Largest Examinations Earlier in the day, the high-stakes re-examination for the NEET 2026 concluded across the country and 14 destinations abroad, even as the process remained under the shadow of the paper leak controversy. The examination saw over 20 lakh candidates appearing at 5,440 centres under a multi-layered security net. The NTA said the examination was conducted smoothly across the country. The examination was held in 13 languages under extensive security measures, including Aadhaar-based biometric and facial authentication, CCTV surveillance, signal jammers, two-layer frisking and real-time monitoring through command-and-control centres established at the NTA, the Ministry of Education, state headquarters and district collectorates.#WATCH | Delhi: On the NEET-UG Re-Examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "NEET-UG re-examination is going to take place today. I have complete faith in the NTA, all the state governments, the district administrations, the Indian education sector, and… pic.twitter.com/nZe8IKJamA— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his "complete faith" in the NTA and state administrations, urging students to appear fearlessly. Speaking to reporters, the minister appealed to political stakeholders not to jeopardise the future of India's new generation or make a mockery of the system. He emphasised that nearly 22 lakh students were taking the test and requested that nothing be done to impact their mental health. Across states, students broadly described Physics as the most challenging section, while Biology was considered comparatively easier, and Chemistry ranged from moderate to difficult.On being asked if the exam went foolproof this time, National Testing Agency DG Abhishek Singh says, "So far, from what we have heard, everything went well. We have received good reports. A lot of state governments and government departments extended full support, and we were… pic.twitter.com/8IDR6Ak0tG— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026 NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the re-examination was conducted smoothly with full security arrangements. "So far, we have not received any complaints regarding a question paper leak. NTA is working aggressively to ensure the integrity of the process. We are 100 per cent confident," Singh told reporters. He added that the evaluation process would begin shortly and results would be announced faster than usual, noting that the agency compressed the entire exam cycle into a record 37 days.On NEET UG re-examination that was conducted today, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Abhishek Singh says, "When we had to cancel the exam, we had to conduct the re-exam in record time, we announced it within 37 days, to ensure students don't suffer, and… pic.twitter.com/gHe6GYIjmJ— The Indian Bugle (@theindianbugle) June 21, 2026 The NTA reported that nearly seven lakh personnel, including police teams and observers, were mobilised for the conduct of the exam. Special provisions were also made for over 10,000 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 81 candidates with serious medical conditions. This included a candidate undergoing chemotherapy and another recovering from a road accident, ensuring that every eligible student could attempt the test. With the examination now completed, attention shifts to the evaluation process. The NTA has indicated that results will be announced faster than usual, citing the compressed timeline under which the re-examination was organised.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)