Over 1 lakh candidates appear across Madhya Pradesh; strict security, biometric verification, 1:30 PM entry deadline enforced

The Re-NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted across Madhya Pradesh on Sunday under unprecedented security arrangements. Over one lakh medical aspirants appeared at 283 centres across 30 districts in the state.

Bhopal has 32 examination centres with 13,774 candidates, while Indore has the highest with over 14,000 candidates. Jabalpur has 23 centres with 10,426 candidates, Gwalior has 25 centres with 5,000 candidates. Chhindwara has 4,303, Guna 1,839, Vidisha 1,709, Narmadapuram 1,283 and Ashok Nagar 865 candidates.

The examination is being held from 2 PM to 5:15 PM in pen-and-paper mode. Reporting, biometric verification and frisking began at 11 AM and will continue until 1:30 PM. No entry is permitted after 1:30 PM.

Candidates have been strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches or any electronic gadgets inside exam centres.

Rewa: Pliers Used to Remove Pant Chains and Buttons

In Rewa district, the examination is being conducted at 13 centres with 5,399 candidates. Entry began at 11:30 AM. Candidates underwent intensive checking through metal detectors and manual frisking.

Security was so strict that several candidates' pant chains and buttons were removed using pliers and screwdrivers before they were allowed entry. Chains, metal buttons, kalawa (sacred threads), jewellery and other metallic items were removed outside the centres. The tight checking created a brief commotion outside some centres. Fifty percent of police personnel deployed were women.

Bhopal: Students Denied Entry Even for Seconds of Delay

At Bhopal's Sarojini Subhash Higher Secondary Utkrisht Vidyalaya, candidates were denied entry for being just 30-40 seconds late. Parents expressed anger, alleging inadequate guidance outside the centre led to delays in finding roll numbers and rooms.

Additional SP stated, "Sending them inside is not in my hands." At PM Shri Central School No. 2, gates were closed exactly at 1:30 PM. Three candidates remained standing outside even after gates closed.

A student who forgot his Aadhaar card at home was denied entry after security personnel refused to accept a digital copy sent via WhatsApp. He rushed back home to get the original.

Indore: Policewoman Helps Student Reach Centre on Time

In Indore, a student named Riya forgot her Aadhaar card at her hostel and was panicking. Sub-inspector Abhiruchi from Palasia police station, posted at Government Utkrisht Vidyalaya Bal Vinay Mandir, helped her. She contacted Riya's parents via WhatsApp and arranged a copy of the Aadhaar card, allowing the student to enter on time.

At SGSITS centre, a student had to remove her earrings before entry. Security personnel conducted thorough metal detector checks.

Morena: Student's Centre Changed from Gwalior to Bhopal

Dharmendra Prajapati, a resident of Morena, had his exam centre originally in Gwalior. However, NTA changed it to Bhopal at the last minute, forcing him to travel from Gwalior to Bhopal. "The change caused some inconvenience, but I managed the arrangements in time," he said.

Morena has 7 examination centres with 180 police personnel deployed.

Chhatarpur: Student Reaches Wrong Centre, 22 km Away

A student arrived at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Chhatarpur, thinking it was his centre. During document verification, he discovered his actual centre was PM Shri Navodaya Vidyalaya in Naugaon, about 22 kilometres away. He immediately rushed on a bike towards the correct centre.

Satna: Water Bottle Wrappers Removed, Students Made to Remove Tops

At Satna's examination centres, tight security checks were enforced. Water bottle wrappers were removed. Female students wearing tops in their ears had to remove them. One candidate's shoes were kept outside, and he was allowed entry barefoot.

Student Voices: 'Not Even One Percent Trust'

Students expressed anxiety and frustration over the paper leak episode. Divyani Parihar, a candidate in Bhopal, said she had prepared for three years and had performed well in the previous exam before the cancellation.

Another student said: "It feels bad to give the exam again. We don't even know if this exam will happen properly or if this paper will also be leaked."

A student in Guna said: "The last one-and-a-half months have been full of stress and uncertainty. Paper leak incidents have affected our hard work and mental state."

Prachi, a candidate, said her preparation is good but she has "not even one percent trust" regarding paper leaks.

Pranavi Upadhyay, a JEE aspirant, called the Indian education system "very dirty" and said paper leaks shatter the dreams of lakhs of students.

Why the Re-Exam?

The original NEET-UG examination was held on May 3, 2026. Following allegations of paper leak, the NTA cancelled it on May 12. The CBI is investigating the matter. Today's examination is the re-conduct.

Authorities have implemented GPS tracking of vehicles carrying question papers, CRPF escorts, CCTV surveillance, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, and additional biometric machines. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are appearing across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.

Entry closes at 1:30 PM; belts, jewellery banned; over 45,000 candidates appear in Chhattisgarh

Amidst tight security and elaborate arrangements, the Re-NEET UG 2026 examination is being conducted across the country today. The exam is scheduled from 2 PM to 5:15 PM. At exam centers in Raipur, continuous announcements are being made urging candidates to enter the premises on time.

According to the announcements, security checks and document verification procedures may take approximately half an hour. Candidates have been advised to avoid any last-minute rush and enter the examination center well in time.

Large crowds of candidates and their parents have gathered outside exam centers across the city. In Chhattisgarh, nearly 45,000 candidates are appearing for the exam, of which 28,100 are from the state itself. A total of 127 exam centers have been set up across the state, with 25 centers in Raipur.

Strict Timeline, Security Protocols

Reporting, biometric verification and frisking began at 11 AM at all exam centers and will continue until 1:30 PM. No entry will be permitted after 1:30 PM under any circumstances. Divyang (differently-abled) candidates will be given an additional 65 minutes.

Authorities have strictly prohibited candidates from carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches or any other electronic gadgets inside the center. A dress code has also been enforced - candidates have been advised to wear light-colored, simple clothes with no metallic buttons or heavy accessories.

Multiple District-Level Arrangements

Jagdalpur: In Bastar district, four centers have been set up including Government PG College, Engineering College, MLB School and Jagtu Mahara School. Collector Akash Chhikara confirmed that all centers are equipped with CCTV cameras and tight security arrangements.

Bilaspur: With 19 exam centers, the city has seen a significant influx of students and their families from neighboring districts. Police have imposed a complete ban on heavy vehicle entry in the city during the examination hours to manage traffic and security.

Three-Layer Security, Raipur Collector Conducted Inspections

Three-layer security has been deployed at all exam centers. District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh conducted inspections of various exam centers in Raipur two days prior, visiting PM Shri Atmanand R.D. Tiwari School Amapara, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 in DDU Nagar, and the NIT center.

During inspection at a Raipur center, a female candidate was asked to change her slippers during security checks.

Why Re-NEET? The Paper Leak Controversy

The original NEET-UG examination was held on May 3, 2026. However, following allegations of a paper leak, the NTA canceled the exam on May 12. The CBI is currently investigating the matter. Today's examination marks the re-conduct of the test.

Notably, the Lok Pariksha Adhiniyam 2024 has provisions for up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 crore for paper leak and cheating cases.

First-Time Changes: Extra 15 Minutes

For the first time, the examination duration has been extended by 15 minutes. The NTA introduced this change to accommodate delays caused by reading instructions, affixing photographs or signing attendance sheets.

Documents Required at Exam Centers:

• Re-NEET Admit Card

• Passport-size photograph (same as on application)

• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)

• PwD/PwBD certificate (if applicable)

Over 5 Lakh Security Personnel Deployed

The exam process is being monitored by over 5 lakh security personnel, more than 6,000 supervisors and 674 city coordinators across the country. All centers have CCTV surveillance and technical monitoring systems in place to ensure transparency and fairness.

Dress Code Advisory

Candidates have been advised to:

• Wear light, simple clothing

• Avoid metallic buttons, chains, jewellery or heavy footwear

• Wear simple slippers or sandals

Those wearing traditional or religious attire may face longer security checks and have been advised to arrive even earlier.

The Bigger Picture

NEET-UG serves as the national entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS), nursing and other medical courses across all government and private medical colleges in India, including prestigious institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER. Over 1 lakh seats are filled through this examination annually.

In a related development, the Chhattisgarh High Court, in an urgent hearing before Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, permitted a student lodged in Raipur Central Jail to appear for the exam. The court directed the Raipur Police Commissioner and Jail Superintendent to ensure the student is taken to the exam center under police security.

District administration has appealed to parents and teachers to provide a stress-free environment to students and not pay attention to any rumors.