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.