NEET-UG re-exam candidates in Madhya Pradesh have been barred from carrying electronic devices, while students voiced concerns over paper leaks and transparency in the examination system.

 With the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, authorities across Madhya Pradesh have tightened security measures and issued detailed guidelines to ensure smooth conduct of the country's largest medical entrance test. District collectors have directed examination centres to strictly prohibit candidates from carrying any electronic devices, including mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices and earphones.

A state-wide mock drill is also being conducted ahead of the examination to assess preparedness at test centres. Centre superintendents have been instructed to complete the exercise before 5 pm while maintaining confidentiality regarding security arrangements.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is conducting the examination, has advised candidates to reach their centres well before the reporting deadline to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Security Measures Tightened

Authorities have put in place multiple layers of verification at examination centres. Candidate reporting, biometric authentication and frisking will begin at 11 am and continue until 1:30 pm.

No candidate will be allowed entry after 1:30 pm. The examination for general candidates will be conducted from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.

Candidates under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category who are eligible for compensatory time will be allowed an additional 65 minutes, extending their examination till 6:20 pm.

Officials say the stricter measures are aimed at preventing any possibility of malpractice following controversies that surrounded the earlier examination process.

Fewer Candidates in Bhopal

The re-examination will witness a slight decline in the number of candidates appearing in Bhopal.

According to official figures, 13,774 candidates are expected to appear this year, compared to 14,334 candidates who took the earlier examination. The number of examination centres in the city has also been reduced from 33 to 32 as one centre is being used for a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination on the same day.

Indore is expected to host more than 14,000 candidates, while significant numbers are also expected in Jabalpur, Gwalior, Chhindwara, Vidisha, Guna and Narmadapuram.

Students Raise Concerns

Several students preparing for the examination expressed concern over the impact of the paper leak controversy on their mental well-being.

Divyani Parihar, who has been preparing for NEET for the past three years, said she believed her previous examination had gone well and was waiting for the results before reports of irregularities emerged.

She said many students had mentally moved on after the examination and were now finding it difficult to prepare for another test under uncertain circumstances.

Other candidates echoed similar concerns, although some expressed confidence that stricter monitoring would help prevent irregularities this time.

Trust Deficit Remains

While many students acknowledged the enhanced security arrangements, some admitted they still lacked complete confidence in the system.

Prachi, another candidate, said she had prepared thoroughly but remained unsure whether examination-related controversies could be entirely ruled out. Others said they hoped the authorities had learned from past mistakes and would ensure a fair process.

The concerns reflect broader anxieties among aspirants who invest years of preparation in highly competitive examinations.

Education System Under Scrutiny

Pranvi Upadhyay, a student preparing for engineering entrance examinations, said incidents such as paper leaks affect not only candidates but also public confidence in the education system.

She argued that millions of students invest significant time and effort in preparing for competitive examinations and deserve a transparent and accountable process.

Her remarks mirror a wider debate that has emerged across the country regarding examination security, institutional accountability and reforms in recruitment and entrance testing systems.

Dress Code and Travel Advisory

Candidates have also been instructed to follow a prescribed dress code. Light-coloured, simple clothing is recommended, while garments with large buttons, multiple pockets or thick fabrics should be avoided. Jewellery, belts, watches and other prohibited items will not be permitted inside examination halls.

Authorities have further advised students to visit their examination centres a day in advance to avoid confusion on the test day.

To facilitate travel, special train services have also been arranged on routes connecting Bhopal, Indore and Ratlam. Officials say these measures are intended to ensure that candidates reach their centres on time and can focus entirely on the examination.

The UGC NET June 2026 examination will be conducted from June 22 to June 30 in Computer-Based Test mode, with admit cards being released in phases by the National Testing Agency.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the UGC NET June 2026 examination from June 22 to June 30 for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and Ph.D. admissions across Indian universities and higher education institutions.

With the examination date approaching, the NTA has started releasing exam city intimation slips and admit cards in a phased manner based on candidates' scheduled examination dates and subjects.

Exam Process Underway

Candidates can access their exam city details and admit cards through the official UGC NET portal using their application credentials. Officials have advised aspirants to regularly check the portal for updates, as admit cards are being issued progressively rather than all at once.

The examination is among the country's largest eligibility tests for higher education and research aspirants, attracting lakhs of candidates from various academic disciplines every year.

Nine-Day Examination Window

The June 2026 session will be conducted over nine days, from June 22 to June 30, at designated examination centres across the country.

The NTA conducts the examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, allowing candidates to appear for both papers in a single sitting. The schedule has been designed to accommodate multiple subjects across different shifts during the examination period.

Candidates have been advised to verify their reporting time, examination shift and centre details carefully before appearing for the test.

Combined Paper Format

The UGC NET examination consists of two papers conducted in a single three-hour session without any break.

Paper 1 focuses on teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, communication, data interpretation and general awareness. It comprises 50 compulsory questions.

Paper 2 contains 100 questions from the candidate's chosen subject and assesses domain-specific knowledge. Both papers are mandatory and contribute to the final score.

The total examination duration is 180 minutes.

Marking Scheme Remains Unchanged

According to the prescribed pattern, candidates receive two marks for every correct answer.

There is no negative marking for incorrect responses or unanswered questions, allowing aspirants to attempt all questions without the risk of score deductions.

Education experts believe the absence of negative marking encourages broader participation and strategic answering during the examination.

Answer Key Expected Next Month

Following the conclusion of the examination, the NTA is expected to release a provisional answer key, allowing candidates to review responses and raise objections, if any.

Based on previous examination cycles, the answer key and response sheets are likely to be published in July. The final results are tentatively expected during the fourth week of July 2026, although the agency has not yet announced an official date.

The results will determine eligibility for Assistant Professor appointments, Junior Research Fellowship awards and admission opportunities in Ph.D. programmes.

Candidates Advised to Stay Updated

As the examination approaches, officials have urged candidates to download their admit cards well in advance and verify personal details, examination centre information and reporting instructions.

Aspirants are also advised to carry valid identification documents and follow examination-day guidelines issued by the NTA to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

With preparations entering the final phase, universities and coaching institutes across the country are witnessing heightened activity as candidates gear up for one of India's most significant higher education eligibility examinations.

Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) underwent an extensive inspection by a team from the National Medical Commission (NMC) on Thursday as part of its proposal to increase MBBS seats from 120 to 170. The inspection, which lasted nearly 12 hours, focused on evaluating whether the institution meets the academic, infrastructural, and clinical requirements necessary for accommodating a larger intake of medical students.

The NMC delegation comprised Dr. Rajiv Nehra, Dr. Laxmikant Bharti, and Dr. Sanjay Meena. The team began its assessment around 8 a.m. and continued until approximately 8 p.m., reviewing multiple departments within both the medical college and the associated hospital.

According to officials, the inspection was conducted following SKMCH’s formal application seeking approval for the enhancement of undergraduate medical seats. The commission will prepare a detailed assessment report before taking a final decision on the proposal.

Faculty and Infrastructure Assessment

A major focus of the inspection was the institution’s academic infrastructure and faculty availability. The NMC team visited departments including Anatomy, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology to assess teaching facilities and departmental preparedness.

Faculty members and medical staff underwent physical verification, while biometric attendance records were examined to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The evaluators reviewed faculty strength, teacher-student ratios, laboratory facilities, lecture halls, demonstration rooms, and other essential academic resources.

Officials also assessed whether the institution adheres to the infrastructure standards prescribed by the National Medical Commission for an expanded student intake.

Clinical Exposure and Hospital Services

The inspection extended beyond classrooms and laboratories, with significant attention given to hospital operations and patient care services. The team inspected the Outpatient Department (OPD), Inpatient Department (IPD), emergency units, operation theatres, and diagnostic facilities.

Records related to surgical procedures in Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, ENT, and Gynaecology departments were scrutinized. Inspectors also verified patient admission records and clinical workload, both of which are critical indicators of the practical training opportunities available to medical students.

The Radiology Department, including CT Scan and MRI facilities, was reviewed alongside the central library and other learning resources. The objective was to determine whether SKMCH has adequate hospital beds, modern medical equipment, and sufficient patient inflow to support an increased number of MBBS students.

Positive Outlook from College Administration

Following the inspection, SKMCH authorities expressed optimism regarding the outcome. Principal Prof. Dr. Kumari Vibha stated that the inspection team appeared satisfied with the institution’s infrastructure and operational arrangements.

She said the college has made significant efforts to strengthen its academic and healthcare facilities in anticipation of the proposed expansion. According to college officials, increasing the MBBS intake would enable the institution to contribute more effectively to the growing demand for qualified medical professionals in Bihar.

JEE Advanced 2026 results are out — more than 56,000 candidates have cleared the exam held on May 17, with 10,107 women among those who qualified.

Results Out, Wait Finally Over

The Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, declared the JEE Advanced 2026 results on Monday, ending weeks of anticipation for nearly two lakh engineering aspirants across the country. Candidates can now access their scorecards through the official portal, jeeadv.ac.in. The examination was held on May 17 in two sessions, and qualifying it is the final gateway to securing a seat in one of India's 23 Indian Institutes of Technology.

56,000 Make the Cut

Of the 1,87,389 candidates who had registered, 1,79,694 appeared for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 — mandatory for inclusion in the merit list. More than 56,000 of them have qualified and will now compete for undergraduate seats across IITs through the upcoming Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling process. Appearing for both papers is a non-negotiable eligibility condition; candidates who skipped either one are not considered for ranking.

Women's Participation Improves

A notable figure this year is the 10,107 female candidates who successfully qualified. While IITs have historically struggled with gender diversity at the undergraduate level, this number signals a gradual but steady shift. Officials and educators have pointed to dedicated outreach, supernumerary seats for women, and increased coaching access as contributing factors over recent years.

How to Check Scorecard

Qualified candidates can log in to jeeadv.ac.in using their registration number and date of birth to access and download their scorecards. The results page lists individual subject scores along with aggregate marks. Candidates are advised to download and preserve their scorecards well ahead of the counselling rounds.

JoSAA Counselling Next

The result declaration now sets the stage for JoSAA 2026 counselling, through which qualified students will be allotted seats in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded technical institutions. The counselling process typically begins within a few weeks of the JEE Advanced result. Students are expected to register on the JoSAA portal and fill in their preferences for institutes and branches. According to officials familiar with the schedule, further announcements regarding counselling dates are expected shortly.

What Comes Next for Aspirants

For students who cleared the cut-off, the coming weeks will involve careful research into branch preferences and IIT rankings. Those who did not qualify this year will need to assess whether they are still within the JEE Advanced age and attempt limits before planning their next steps. Initial reports from coaching centres in cities like Kota, Hyderabad, and Delhi indicate a mix of relief and calculated optimism among this year's batch, with several students reportedly performing stronger in Paper 2.

NTA Issues Fresh Advisory for UGC-NET June 2026 Applications 

Candidates Urged to Submit Single Form as Deadline Nears

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a fresh public advisory reminding aspirants of strict guidelines for the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, even as the online application window enters its final stretch.

The notice, dated May 8, comes at a time when thousands of postgraduate students across the country are racing to complete their registrations before the May 20 deadline. With the exam scheduled between June 22 and 30, the agency appears keen to avoid last-minute confusion and technical glitches that have marred previous cycles.

Single Application Rule Reiterated

In the latest notice, NTA has made it clear that candidates can submit only one application. Multiple forms — whether for the same subject or different ones — will not be entertained. Only the last successfully submitted application will be considered, while all previous ones stand rejected.

Officials have particularly cautioned applicants against hasty submissions. “Candidates must carefully select their subject while filling out the application form, as no changes will be allowed after submission,” the advisory states. Accuracy in personal details, educational qualifications, and uploaded documents has also been emphasised.

87 Subjects, CBT Mode

The UGC-NET June 2026 will be conducted for 87 subjects in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The test determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.

Registration opened on April 29 and is set to close at 11:50 pm on May 20, 2026. The correction window will be available from May 22 to 24. Admit cards are expected by June 15, with city intimation slips likely a few days earlier.

Background and Growing Competition

For many young scholars, clearing UGC-NET remains the gateway to academic careers and research funding. In recent years, the exam has seen rising participation, especially after the shift to two cycles annually. The June session typically attracts candidates aiming to align their academic timelines with university admissions.

Sources familiar with the process said the repeated advisories reflect NTA’s effort to streamline submissions following past instances of duplicate applications leading to rejections and grievances. “It’s better to double-check everything before final submission rather than face disappointment later,” one official associated with the examination process noted.

What Candidates Should Do Now

Education experts advise aspirants to:

- Verify all entered details thoroughly before payment

- Ensure the uploaded photograph and documents meet specifications

- Keep the application number and payment receipt safely

- Regularly check the official website for updates

The agency has once again directed candidates to visit https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in for the latest notices and information.

Impact on Aspirants

With only days left, coaching centres in cities like Delhi, Kota, and Hyderabad report heightened activity. Many students who had earlier submitted incomplete forms are now rushing to correct or complete them within the stipulated time.

The advisory assumes added significance as it comes amid broader scrutiny of NTA’s examination processes following past controversies in other national tests. Smooth conduct of UGC-NET is being seen as crucial for restoring confidence among the student community.

As the countdown begins, the message from NTA remains straightforward: prepare carefully, submit once, and stay updated through official channels. For lakhs of hopefuls, these final days could determine their academic future for the coming year.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the principal of Thakur Ranmat Singh College in Rewa, highlighting grievances over non-generation of Sambhal Yojana card codes and pending scholarships. The action came after several students pursuing BBA and BCA courses complained they were being forced to pay over ₹25,000 in lump sum fees.

Sambhal Card Code Trouble

District president Pankaj Upadhyay, who led the delegation, said the absence of Sambhal card codes is making it impossible for students to avail fee waivers in instalments. “Without a generated code, the system pushes them to pay the full amount at once. Most of our students come from middle-class and farming backgrounds. This kind of upfront payment is unaffordable,” he told reporters outside the principal’s office.

Majority of the affected students are enrolled in professional courses that fall under the state’s Sambhal Yojana, designed to provide financial support to eligible categories. However, college authorities have reportedly not processed the codes on time, leaving students with no option but to pay the full annual fee.

Scholarship Delays Add to Crisis

The NSUI has also accused the college administration of collecting full fees under the assurance that scholarships would be reimbursed later. Upadhyay claimed that several students have not received their scholarship amounts for the past two academic years.

“They take the money upfront, and then keep saying the refund will come after the session ends. But years have passed, and families are still waiting. It’s a vicious cycle,” he said.

Local sources indicate that around 200 students across the BBA and BCA programmes are currently stuck in this limbo. With no clarity from the college or the state’s scholarship portal, many have had to borrow money or sell household assets to meet admission deadlines.

What the College Says

Principal of TRS College was not available for an on-record comment by the time this report was filed. However, a junior administrative staff member said, “The principal has received the memorandum. We are looking into the technical issues on the Sambhal portal. Scholarships are released by the state government, not the college.”

NSUI leaders rejected this explanation, pointing out that colleges are responsible for timely verification and code generation. They demanded that the principal issue a clear timeline for resolving both issues.

Three-Day Ultimatum

Upadhyay issued a stern warning: if no action is taken within three days, the union will launch an aggressive agitation in the interest of students. “We are not here to create trouble. But forced payment of ₹25,000 when the government clearly has a waiver scheme — that’s not acceptable,” he said.

The protest comes at a time when colleges across Madhya Pradesh are wrapping up admissions for the current semester. Education department officials have previously directed institutions to ensure no eligible student is denied benefits under Sambhal Yojana, but ground-level implementation remains patchy.

District administration sources said they have taken note of the issue. A meeting between college officials and NSUI representatives is expected within the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, students have been advised to keep their documentation ready for verification in case a fresh drive for Sambhal card codes is announced.

Vice-president Satyam Mishra, Rewa assembly president Sanskar Tripathi, district secretary Ajay Singh, and university unit president Vishu Vardhan Singh were among those present during the memorandum submission.

Spain-India Dual Year 2026: Education Minister Woos Spanish Universities

Dharmendra Pradhan invites campuses, stresses AI must bolster human creativity at New Delhi conference closing

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday wrapped up the India-Spain Conference on Higher Education here, pitching India as a prime spot for Spanish universities to set up campuses while underlining the need for AI to enhance—not eclipse—human judgment.

The two-day event, held February 19-20 at a time buzzing with the India AI Impact Summit 2026, got a strong push from the Spanish Embassy in India. It marks a key step in celebrations for the Spain-India Dual Year 2026, honouring 70 years of diplomatic ties.

Pradhan's Campus Call

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Pradhan highlighted how India's National Education Policy 2020 paves the way for global tie-ups. "India is open, ready, and welcoming," he said, extending a direct invite to top Spanish universities.

On the sidelines of the AI summit, the minister drove home a clear point: artificial intelligence should amplify human creativity, ethics, and decision-making. Democracies like India and Spain, he added, have a duty to steer responsible innovation.

From Talks to Action

Pradhan called the conference a shift "from dialogue to delivery." The knowledge bridges being built, he noted, will empower tomorrow's youth. Over 30 Spanish rectors and senior leaders from the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), plus representatives from about 70 Indian institutions, joined in.

Dr Vineet Joshi, Secretary in the Higher Education Ministry, described the gathering as timely for bilateral ties. "Deliberations were focused and forward-looking," he said, pointing to education's role in innovation, growth, jobs, tech progress, and people-to-people links.

Spain's Enthused Response

Spanish Ambassador to India Juan Antonio March Pujol welcomed Pradhan's presence. "Knowledge fortifies societies and shapes generations," he remarked, stressing universities' centrality.

The ambassador outlined plans for joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and startup support. He hoped collaborations would gain steam through 2026, possibly with a follow-up in Spain and fresh MoUs. Pujol recalled PM Narendra Modi's assurance to Spain's leadership: academic partnerships are a top priority, with full facilities for campuses.

Prof Eva Alcón, CRUE President, reaffirmed Spain's commitment alongside its government. She saw the summit as the start of a lasting bond, eyeing work on fair education access, sustainability, global health—blending local needs with worldwide goals.

Ties in Broader Context

This conference slots into ramped-up India-Spain engagement. Diplomatic relations hit 70 years in 2026, with youth exchanges, research, and education at the core. Initial reports suggest strong momentum, especially after Modi's personal push.

For Indian students and institutions, Spanish campuses could mean more options without crossing borders—boosting skills in fields like AI and sustainability. Ground buzz from participants hinted at quick wins, like pilot exchange programs.

Spain-India Dual Year 2026 now eyes deeper university pacts. Officials hint at more summits ahead, with MoUs possibly inked soon. As Pradhan put it, these steps build youth confidence for a shared future.

Jammu University panel recommends dropping Jinnah from MA syllabus

The Departmental Affairs Committee moves to scrap topics on Jinnah, Sir Syed, and Iqbal following student protests; Board of Studies to take final call tomorrow.

The Departmental Affairs Committee (DAC) of Jammu University has recommended the immediate removal of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, and Muhammad Iqbal from the MA Political Science curriculum. The proposal follows intense student-led demonstrations and a growing administrative row over the inclusion of these figures in the academic session.

While the DAC has formalised its recommendation, the final decision rests with the Board of Studies, which is scheduled to convene an online meeting on March 24 to ratify the changes. The development comes at a time when the university faces pressure from student groups alleging that the inclusion of Jinnah’s political thought hurts national sentiments.

Protests trigger curriculum review

The controversy erupted after Jinnah’s political ideologies were introduced as part of the 'Minorities and the Nation' paper. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a massive protest on Saturday, carrying posters of Jinnah and demanding a syllabus overhaul.

The protestors argued that presenting Jinnah as a leader of minorities, rather than solely in the context of the 'Two-Nation Theory' and Partition, misrepresents historical facts. They maintained that academic freedom should not override national history.

Shift in academic context

Sannak Shrivats, ABVP's Jammu and Kashmir state secretary, pointed out that the objection lies in the "rebranding" of Jinnah within the revised syllabus. Previously, Jinnah was studied through the lens of Partition and the communal divide.

Under the new 2025 draft, however, he was positioned as a significant minority thinker. Shrivats stated that the organisation would not accept a narrative that provides a platform for the architect of India’s partition under the guise of minority studies.

Department defends UGC standards

Baljeet Singh Maan, Head of the Political Science Department, initially defended the inclusion of these thinkers, stating the curriculum was designed from a strictly academic perspective. He noted that the topics aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) standards and national curriculum frameworks.

According to Maan, the objective was to expose postgraduate students to a variety of political thoughts to foster critical analysis. However, following the escalating protests, the university administration constituted a committee to review the syllabus, leading to the current recommendation for removal.

Political blame game begins

The issue has quickly taken a political turn, with the Congress party accusing the administration of creating a "deliberate controversy." JKPCC General Secretary Namrata Sharma noted that the draft syllabus, which also includes Savarkar and Golwalkar, has been in place for nearly a year.

"This curriculum was prepared in 2025 and remained unchallenged for months. Raising it now suggests an attempt to polarise the academic environment," Sharma said. She questioned the timing of the protests, suggesting that the sudden friction was politically motivated.

History of campus friction

Jammu University’s Political Science department is no stranger to ideological clashes. The current row echoes a 2018 incident where a professor faced severe backlash and university action after a video surfaced showing him referring to Bhagat Singh in a controversial light.

The recurring nature of these disputes highlights the sensitive balance between academic inquiry and regional political sentiments. Observers noted that the university administration is now treading cautiously to avoid further law-and-order disruptions on campus.

Final decision expected tomorrow

All eyes are now on the Board of Studies meeting on Tuesday. The board will decide whether to uphold the DAC’s recommendation or maintain the current academic structure. This decision is expected to set a precedent for how sensitive historical figures are treated in higher education across the region.

The outcome of tomorrow's meet will likely impact the academic calendar for the current semester. Government updates on the matter are expected shortly after the board concludes its deliberations, as this remains a high-priority trending news India story.