NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Concludes: Over 22 Lakh Candidates Appear; Students Find Physics Section Tough and Time-Consuming (Watch Videos)

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination successfully concluded on Sunday, June 21, with over 22 lakh candidates appearing for the medical entrance test nationwide and at select international locations. Initial feedback from students across major cities indicated that the overall difficulty level of the question paper ranged from moderate to tough, with many highlighting the Physics section as particularly time-consuming.

The national re-test saw an estimated 22.79 lakh students registered across 5,440 examination centres in 551 Indian cities and 14 cities abroad. The massive academic exercise was monitored closely following the cancellation of the initial May 3 examination over allegations of a widespread question paper leak. NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Today: Over 22 Lakh Candidates To Appear Amid Tight Security After Paper Leak Row.

Candidates React to Paper Difficulty

Aspirants exiting exam centres in cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Srinagar, and Ranchi shared varying perspectives on the subject-wise difficulty. A common consensus emerged regarding the Physics section, which multiple candidates described as lengthier and more challenging than the previous attempt in May.

"The exam was quite moderate overall," a candidate in New Delhi told reporters. "However, the Physics section was quite lengthy and a little bit tougher than last time. Biology was good and Chemistry remained balanced."

Similarly, a candidate from Jharkhand remarked that while Biology was comparatively easy and Chemistry was moderate, Physics required significant calculation time. In Chennai, a student named Tarun noted that the test felt overall more challenging than his initial attempt. NEET UG Re-Examination Being Held Across Centres in India, Abroad Amid Tight Security.

‘The Exam Was Quite Moderate, Physics Was Quite Lengthy’

‘Physics Was a Little Difficult This Time’

Tight Security and Surveillance Measures

To prevent a recurrence of earlier discrepancies and to restore administrative transparency, the National Testing Agency (NTA) implemented multi-layered security protocols. Entry into the examination halls involved rigorous physical frisking and verification via metal detectors.

The NTA deployed 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric staff tasked specifically with real-time face authentication. Inside the classrooms, digital jammers supplied by the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were activated to block unauthorized electronic communications. All rooms were continuously monitored through an interconnected network of CCTV cameras.

Logistical and security backup was coordinated with state police forces, paramilitary units, the Department of Posts, and the Indian Air Force to ensure secure transport and storage of confidential examination materials at designated custodian banks.

Background of the Re-Test

The re-examination became necessary after systemic vulnerabilities led to the compromise of the initial May 3 test paper. The ongoing investigation into the alleged leak has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has already made several arrests across multiple states.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier expressed full confidence in the NTA and local administrations to conduct a fair evaluation process, appealing to stakeholders to prioritize the mental well-being of the lakhs of students relying on the integrity of the medical entrance system.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 06:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).