NEET-UG retest: Candidates arrive at exam centres across India amid tight security

Candidates started arriving at NEET-UG retest centers on Sunday, June 21, 2026, amid stringent security regulations; Search and verification of admit cards and identity documents is ongoing at various examination centres.

In a post XThe National Testing Agency (NTA) reminded candidates that entry to the centers will start at 11 a.m. and close at 13.30, and entry will not be allowed after that. He advised them to carry their entry pass, a valid photo ID and two passport photos, avoid prohibited items, stay hydrated and arrive early considering traffic.

NTA is conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination for candidates after the exam was canceled on May 3 due to the ongoing investigation into the question paper leak.

The exam will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, between 14.00-17.15, this time an additional 15 minutes will be given.

The exam is conducted in 5,440 centers in 551 cities in India and 14 centers abroad. It is conducted in English and 12 Indian languages. According to NTA, more than 95,000 examination rooms are equipped with CCTV surveillance.

A total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras have been installed and feeds are being monitored virtually at the national, State and Ministry levels, officials said. 51,311 jammers were deployed to secure the exam against electronic malpractice.

Candidate Kishan, who appeared for the re-exam in Delhi, said that this time the security arrangements were tighter than the previous test.

“Security this time is tighter than last time. A lot has happened in the past month. I revised as much as I could and now I just want to write the exam. I hope the exam will be conducted fairly,” he said. PTI Videos.

An official removes the hairpin of a NEET candidate at an examination center in Kochi on June 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

“Everyone who appeared for the exam was under a lot of pressure, especially the students who were on the threshold of qualification. Personally, I wasn’t making the cut as my score was around 450, but no one can really understand the pain of those who were actually selected. They were the ones who suffered the most.”

Ms. Sonia, who appeared for the NEET-UG re-exam in Delhi, said that she felt more stressed this time compared to the previous test. He noted that this time, unlike the previous exam, drinking water and coolers were arranged and security was also tightened.

“If such security arrangements had been made earlier, the chances of paper leakage would have been less and students would not have faced so many problems,” he said.

In Odisha, candidate Parthasarathi Raut said she will give her best in the re-examination to secure admission in a medical college.

Ahead of the retest, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed to the candidates to appear for the exam fearlessly and carefree.

Speaking at a yoga event organized at Delhi University on the occasion of International Yoga Say, Mr. Pradhan said that he has full confidence in NTA, State governments, district administrations, education community and students.