NEET-UG Re-Examination: NTA's Comprehensive Preparations for a Smooth Conduct

NTA's Mock Drill Ahead of NEET-UG Re-Examination

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct a nationwide mock drill this Saturday in preparation for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for Sunday, June 21. This initiative aims to ensure the examination proceeds smoothly, securely, and transparently, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

In a recent statement, the NTA expressed its readiness for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam, coordinating with district administrations, police, and escort teams to securely transport confidential examination materials.

The re-examination will take place from 2 PM to 5:15 PM across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations, accommodating over 22.79 lakh candidates.

Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) who qualify for extra time will be permitted to complete their exams until 6:20 PM.

The NTA highlighted the importance of collaboration among various agencies and administrative levels, with 674 city coordinators overseeing local operations and 6,669 observers assigned for independent monitoring at examination centers. Each center will have appointed superintendents and invigilators.

To facilitate a fair examination process, over 200,000 personnel, including police and district officials, have been mobilized, as stated by the NTA.

The agency has implemented a robust security framework to ensure integrity during the examination. This includes secure handling of confidential materials, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts for transporting examination materials, CCTV surveillance linked to centralized control rooms, and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation.

Mandatory security checks using high-sensitivity metal detectors will be conducted before candidates enter the examination centers, with enhanced manpower and equipment available at each location. The examination will also be monitored in real-time through centralized systems.

The NTA is actively monitoring social media to combat misinformation and prevent malpractice, having filed complaints with cyber-crime authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CBI, to take strict action against offenders.

According to NTA guidelines, candidates unable to complete biometric verification due to technical issues or physical limitations will not be denied entry. They will need to sign a written undertaking available at the center and will be allowed to take the exam without disruption.

Manual identity verification will be conducted using valid identification documents.

In light of the large number of candidates and the summer heat, the NTA has arranged various facilities at examination centers, including reliable power backup, adequate lighting, fans, wall clocks, drinking water, sanitation, and on-site medical support.

Candidates are permitted to bring a transparent water bottle, while those with diabetes may carry sugar tablets and fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges, in accordance with NTA guidelines.

To expedite verification, additional biometric machines and trained personnel have been deployed. Candidates are advised to check travel and weather advisories in advance and plan their journeys accordingly.

Candidates must report to their examination centers between 11 AM and 1:30 PM, as entry gates will close promptly at 1:30 PM, with no exceptions.

Those wearing traditional or religious attire, or full-sleeved clothing, should arrive early to allow for thorough security checks.

Candidates are also reminded to verify their examination center addresses from their admit cards, as map applications may not always provide accurate locations.

It is essential for candidates to carry a printed copy of their admit card, a valid photo ID, and two passport-sized photographs for the attendance sheet.

The NTA has urged candidates to arrive at their centers well ahead of the reporting time, considering potential traffic and weather conditions.

Strict adherence to the dress code and permissible items list on the NTA website is mandatory.

Candidates should only bring allowed items; mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, wallets, jewelry, metallic accessories, and food packets are prohibited inside the examination hall.

The NTA advises candidates to rely solely on official communications from the NEET website and to be cautious of misinformation from unauthorized sources.

Candidates are encouraged to trust their preparation and remain calm. For mental health concerns, the NTA has provided official helplines, including Tele-MANAS (14416), a 24/7 national mental health helpline.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the examination with integrity, transparency, and operational efficiency, expressing gratitude to state governments, Union Territory administrations, district authorities, police forces, examination officials, and candidates for their cooperation.

The entire administrative framework is prepared to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the examination across India and abroad on June 21, 2026.