NEET UG Re-Exam 2026: NTA Begins Exam Under Tight Security Across India, Rolls Out Multi-Layer Safeguards

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Sunday began conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination under unprecedented security arrangements, more than a month after the original test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. Over 22 lakh candidates are appearing for the exam at 5,454 centres in India and abroad, with authorities deploying extensive surveillance and verification measures to ensure a fair and secure examination process.

Massive Security Deployment Across Exam Centres

The re-examination is being held from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm, with candidates required to report well in advance for biometric verification and frisking. The NTA has made it clear that no candidate will be allowed to enter examination centres after the prescribed deadline. NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Today: NTA Extends Best Wishes to Candidates, Says ‘Stay Calm, Trust Yourself, You’ve Earned This Moment’.

To prevent malpractice, the agency has deployed 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras, over 51,000 signal jammers, AI-enabled surveillance systems, biometric authentication and facial verification across examination centres. Authorities are also closely monitoring social media platforms to identify and act against misinformation and fake paper leak claims.

NEET Candidates Arrive Amid Heightened Vigilance

Visuals from several states showed candidates arriving at examination centres amid tight security. Police personnel have been deployed outside centres to manage crowds and maintain law and order, while additional traffic arrangements have been made in major cities to facilitate smooth movement on exam day. In Delhi, authorities also arranged drinking water and basic facilities for parents waiting outside examination centres. NEET Paper Leak Claim Surfaces in Ajmer: Rajasthan Police Launch Probe Into Alleged INR 30,000 Paper Leak Offer Made via Video Call.

The NTA issued a final advisory urging candidates to remain calm, carry only the newly issued admit card and required identification documents, and follow all examination guidelines. The agency also clarified that admit cards issued for the cancelled May 3 examination would not be accepted for Sunday's re-test.

Government Seeks To Restore Confidence

Ahead of the examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed to students to appear for the test without fear and expressed confidence in the enhanced security arrangements. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also wished candidates well while stressing the importance of transparency in conducting the examination.

The NTA has dismissed circulating claims of another paper leak, describing them as false and warning candidates against falling prey to rumours or fraudulent offers circulating on social media and messaging platforms.

The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination follows the cancellation of the original entrance test after allegations of a nationwide paper leak triggered investigations by multiple agencies. Since then, the Centre and the NTA have introduced significantly stronger security measures aimed at protecting the integrity of one of India's largest competitive examinations.

The re-test is seen as a critical effort to restore confidence in the examination process while ensuring a level playing field for millions of medical aspirants across the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 02:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).