Over 22 lakh students across India sit for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination today, months after the original test was marred by irregularities. Authorities have deployed three-tier security across 5,440 centres.
Image Source: IANS
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday, with more than 22.79 lakh candidates appearing at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad. The exam followed extensive scrutiny after a previous scam had forced the re-test.
As the exam day arrived, the NTA posted a message of encouragement on X, urging students to trust themselves and stay composed. The agency reminded all candidates that entry to examination centres opened at 11:00 AM, with the last permissible entry at 1:30 PM, after which no one was allowed inside.
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🩺 All the best to every NEET (UG) 2026 candidate!
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This is the day you’ve prepared for. Stay calm, trust yourself, and give it your best – you’ve earned this moment.
⏰ Important timings
Entry begins: 11:00 AM
Last entry: 1:30 PM (no entry after this)📋 Carry with you
✅…
— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 21, 2026
Candidates were required to carry their admit card, a valid photo identity card, and two passport-size photographs. The NTA also told students to avoid prohibited items, stay hydrated, and factor in traffic conditions while leaving for their centres.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale acknowledged the pressure students had faced due to the earlier NEET scam. “There was a scam in the NEET exam earlier, which caused significant trouble for people. The Government of India has taken very strict measures,” he said, adding that those responsible must face severe punishment. He also expressed regret that students had to sit for the exam again.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the government’s priority was to hold the exam smoothly, noting that efforts were being made to ensure an orderly process.
In Lucknow, Joint Commissioner of Police Babloo Kumar said three tiers of police deployment were in place across 75 examination centres. The first tier covered question paper transportation alongside CAPF personnel. Sub-Inspectors and Inspectors were stationed at every centre for candidate checking and frisking. Pens were provided inside exam halls to prevent candidates from smuggling materials. Local Intelligence Unit and criminal intelligence teams were also activated, with 24-hour social media surveillance in place.
In Noida, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was enforced to maintain law and order across 23 centres spread across three zones. CCTV cameras and jammers were installed to prevent malpractice.
In Varanasi, approximately 25,000 students appeared across 47 centres. Forces in civilian dress were deployed, and surveillance extended to cyber cafes and photocopy shops. Candidates with prior exam violations were placed under active watch.
In Rajkot, 12 exam centres were set up with PSI personnel appointed as centre in-charges. CISF personnel were deployed at each centre, and secure paper transport between strong rooms and schools was arranged. DCP Rakesh Desai confirmed that police had inspected every centre.
In Karnataka’s Bagalkot, 11 centres accommodated 3,967 students. Jammers, CCTV cameras, and frisking arrangements were in place. Chief Superintendent Sampath Lamani confirmed that drinking water and security measures were arranged inside exam rooms.
In Agartala, West Tripura DM Dr. Vishal Kumar confirmed that all nine centres had met NTA conditions, with CRPF and state police deployed alongside standard question paper security arrangements.
Security reviews were also conducted in Haryana’s Ambala, where 270 police personnel covered seven centres across 11 checkpoints, and in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba and Gujarat’s Vadodara.
Delhi Police reviewed arrangements at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Masjid Moth, one of the designated re-examination centres in the capital.
Across all states, officials confirmed that frisking protocols, surveillance systems, intelligence monitoring, and multilevel police deployment were active to ensure the exam was held fairly and without disruption.
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