NEET-UG Re-Exam 2026: Over 20 Lakh Students Complete Retest Smoothly As NTA Reports No Paper Leak Complaints

More than 20 lakh medical aspirants across India completed the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday, bringing to a close a high-stakes exercise conducted after the original May 3 test was cancelled following a question paper leak. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education said the retest was conducted smoothly under extensive security arrangements, with officials reporting no complaints related to paper leaks during the examination, as reported by TOI.

Tight Security Measures Across Examination Centres

Authorities implemented heightened security protocols at examination centres nationwide to safeguard the integrity of the test. These included AI-assisted monitoring, CCTV surveillance, biometric verification of candidates and other multi-layered checks aimed at preventing malpractice. The final answer sheets were sealed on Sunday, marking the completion of one of India's largest entrance examinations under close official scrutiny. NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Concludes: Over 22 Lakh Candidates Appear; Students Find Physics Section Tough and Time-Consuming (Watch Videos).

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said no complaints related to question paper leaks had been received during the conduct of the examination, describing the re-exam as smooth and incident-free.

Relief for Students After Weeks of Uncertainty

The re-examination offered clarity to millions of candidates whose admission process had been disrupted after the original NEET-UG examination was scrapped over allegations of a paper leak.

While many students reported that the question paper was challenging, the overall conduct of the examination remained largely orderly. Some discussions also emerged around dress code implementation and the handling of religious attire at certain centres, but no major disruptions were reported. NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Today: Over 22 Lakh Candidates To Appear Amid Tight Security After Paper Leak Row.

Ahead of the examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had urged candidates to appear without fear or anxiety, assuring them that authorities had made comprehensive arrangements for a fair and transparent test.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination scheduled on May 3 was cancelled after allegations of a question paper leak triggered investigations and widespread concern over the examination process. The cancellation affected more than 20 lakh candidates, making a nationwide re-examination necessary.

In response, the NTA introduced significantly enhanced security measures and coordinated with multiple agencies to restore confidence in the examination system. The successful completion of Sunday's retest is expected to allow the admission process for undergraduate medical courses to move forward after weeks of uncertainty.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2026 08:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).