NEET-UG re-examination being held across centres in India, abroad amid tight security
New Delhi, June 21
The NEET-UG re-examination commenced on Sunday at 2 pm amid tight security at various examination centres in the country.
More than 22.79 lakh candidates are eligible to appear in the examination, which is being held at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India, as well as at 14 international locations.
The entry for the exam centres followed a strict process with metal dectectors in place.
To ensure a secure and efficient examination process, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has implemented comprehensive security and surveillance measures across the exam rooms.
The rooms are equipped with CCTV cameras that are being monitored. Jammers provided by ECIL and BEL have also been deployed.
The NTA has stationed two invigilators in every room, with over ten functionaries present at each centre.
The frisking staff numbers 38,795 and there is 48,448 biometric staff for face authentication, approximately 6,700 observers, over 100 virtual observers, and an average of 40-50 security personnel per centre.
Logistical security has been prioritized through the mobilization of police, paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force, and the Department of Posts, with all confidential materials verified at custodian banks.
The NTA has also focused on candidate welfare by providing drinking water, ORS, and ambulances at centers, along with shade and seating for waiting parents. Additionally, exam rooms are equipped with wall clocks and extra rough sheets--including versions for left-handed candidates--while extended time has been allotted to offset the necessary entry formalities.
For easy waiting period, the Delhi government has set up special cooling zones to provide relief from the intense summer heat.
Odisha and Uttarakhand government provided free bus travel for candidates for easy transit to the centres.
In Raichur, examination staff asked students to remove chains and other restricted accessories. Authorities are conducting thorough verification and security checks to ensure a fair and smooth examination process.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Security-I), Indore, Priti Tiwari, highlighted the security measures for smooth conduct of examination.
"The police have taken out all the materials under very tight security, with complete security and traffic arrangements in place, and under the supervision of the CP, they are being safely transported to their respective centres. The area has been divided into four zones, and the DCPs are monitoring and issuing instructions in all the zones," she said.
The re-examination was necessitated following paper leak which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The probe agency has made several arrests in the case.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a parent of a NEET aspirant, I'm relieved but also stressed. My daughter had to remove her mangalsutra at the centre because of the rules—she was so nervous! But I understand the need for security. At least the government arranged cooling zones and free bus travel in some states. That's thoughtful. Still wish they'd caught the leak earlier to avoid this whole mess. 🙏
Great to see such tight security! But why did it take a paper leak for the NTA to implement these measures? The 22.79 lakh students deserve a fair exam every year, not just after a scandal. Also, 5,440 centres and 551 cities—impressive logistics, but I hope the delays from all this frisking didn't mess up anyone's timing. Good luck to all appearing! 🍀
Honestly, this is just damage control. The whole system is corrupt from the top—paper leaks, coaching mafia, and now students suffer. My cousin is giving the exam today and he said the biometric machines were slow, causing a queue. Plus, extra rough sheets for left-handed students? That's basic stuff, not 'welfare'. I'm glad they're trying, but India's exam system needs a complete overhaul. Just my two paise.
As someone from the US, I'm amazed by the scale of this—over 22 lakh candidates across 5,440 centres! The security measures sound intense but necessary. I hope the students from smaller towns also got the same facilities. The free bus rides by Odisha and Uttarakhand are a smart move. Kudos to everyone involved for pulling this off on such short notice.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.