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oi-Swastika Sruti
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that it is fully prepared to conduct the NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Examination on June 21. The agency, which functions under the Ministry of Education, said extensive arrangements have been made to ensure that the examination is conducted smoothly, fairly and securely across the country.
The NTA will conduct the NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Examination on June 21 for over 22.79 lakh candidates across India and internationally, implementing strict security and biometric measures for a fair process after previous irregularities.
The re-examination comes after the cancellation of the earlier NEET-UG test amid allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities. With lakhs of students preparing to appear once again, the NTA has released a detailed advisory outlining exam-day guidelines, security arrangements and important instructions for candidates.
More Than 22 Lakh Students to Appear
According to the NTA, over 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to take the re-examination.
The pen-and-paper test will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM on June 21 across 551 cities in India and 14 international cities.
Given the scale of the examination, authorities have coordinated with state governments, district administrations, police departments and other agencies to ensure smooth conduct.
Multi-Layer Security System in Place
The NTA has introduced a strengthened security framework to maintain transparency and prevent any malpractice.
Confidential examination materials will be transported under strict security protocols using GPS-enabled vehicles and police escorts. CCTV cameras will monitor examination centres, with feeds linked to centralised control rooms.
Candidates will undergo mandatory frisking before entering examination centres.
Aadhaar-based biometric verification will also be carried out to prevent impersonation and ensure that only genuine candidates are allowed to appear for the test.
The agency has also said it is actively monitoring social media platforms to identify misinformation and fake claims related to the examination.
Reporting Time and Entry Rules
Candidates have been advised to carefully follow the reporting schedule.
Students must reach their allotted examination centres between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Entry gates will close sharply at 1:30 PM, and no candidate will be allowed inside after that time.
The NTA has urged candidates to arrive early, keeping possible traffic congestion and weather conditions in mind.
Those wearing customary or religious attire have been advised to report well in advance to allow sufficient time for security checks and frisking procedures.
Documents Candidates Must Carry
Candidates appearing for the examination must carry the following documents:
- Printed copy of the NEET (UG) 2026 Admit Card
- One original valid photo identity card
- Two passport-size photographs for attendance records
Students have also been advised to verify the exact address of their examination centre through the admit card and not rely solely on map applications.
What Candidates Can and Cannot Carry
The NTA has clearly specified the items permitted inside examination centres.
Candidates may carry a transparent water bottle. Diabetic students will be allowed to carry sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges as per existing guidelines.
However, several items remain strictly prohibited. These include:
- Mobile phones
- Smartwatches
- Bluetooth devices
- Calculators
- Wallets
- Jewellery
- Metallic accessories
- Food packets
Any candidate found carrying prohibited items may face disciplinary action.
NTA Warns Against Rumours and Fake Claims
In view of concerns surrounding the previous examination, the NTA has urged candidates not to believe rumours or fraudulent claims related to question paper leaks.
Students have been advised to rely only on official communications issued through NTA platforms. Any suspicious messages, social media channels or claims about leaked papers should be immediately reported to the NTA or cybercrime authorities.
The agency reiterated that strict monitoring systems are in place to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Focus on Fair and Transparent Conduct
The NTA said its primary objective is to conduct the re-examination with complete transparency and fairness.
With support from state administrations, law enforcement agencies and examination officials, the agency hopes to restore confidence among students and parents following the controversy surrounding the original exam.
As lakhs of medical aspirants prepare for one of the most important examinations of their academic careers, authorities have appealed to candidates to remain calm, follow official guidelines and focus on their preparation.
The RE-NEET 2026 examination will be conducted on June 21, and all arrangements are now in place for its smooth and secure execution across India and abroad.
