Thousands of aspirants appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday amid unprecedented security, but strict enforcement of rules left many latecomers disappointed as entry gates were shut at 1:30 pm sharp at multiple centres.

In Bhopal, students reaching Sarojini Subhash Utkrisht Vidyalaya and PM Shri Central School just 30-40 seconds after the deadline were denied entry. Similar incidents were reported from other cities, including Bengaluru where some students broke down in tears. A few candidates in Bhopal and Chhatarpur reached the wrong centre and missed the exam even after rushing to the correct venue.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the re-exam at 5,440 centres across 564 cities, including 14 international locations. Around 22.79 lakh candidates were expected to appear for the pen-and-paper test that began at 2:00 pm and will continue till 5:15 pm — 15 minutes longer than the original duration.

Question papers reached centres under heavy guard. For the first time, the Indian Air Force carried out over 200 sorties using aircraft and helicopters to transport papers, minimising leak risks. More than two lakh security personnel, along with observers and coordinators, have been deployed nationwide. In Srinagar, police were present since early morning, while in Delhi, centres were sealed the previous night.

The original NEET-UG exam was held on May 3 but cancelled on May 12 following paper leak allegations. The CBI is investigating the case, with several arrests already made. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appealed to students to stay calm and focus on the exam.

The re-exam has taken a toll on many aspirants. One candidate from Delhi, Supriya, said her first attempt went well and she was hopeful of securing a seat, but the cancellation shattered her plans. Many students spoke of mental stress, especially those who had taken drops. Congress MP Imran Masood criticised the Education Ministry, calling it “incompetent.”

Authorities arranged cooling zones, ORS, water and medical facilities outside centres for parents and students battling heat and anxiety. In Mumbai, despite a BEST bus strike, special services were run. Several states provided free transport to candidates.

In Varanasi, over 25,000 students appeared at 47 centres with full security arrangements. NTA urged everyone to ignore rumours and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.

The Supreme Court is also hearing related petitions. The re-exam is seen as a crucial attempt to restore credibility to the process after the controversy that rocked the medical entrance system.