India’s NEET‑UG Exam Held Under Tight Security After Allegent Paper Leak
Millions of hopeful medical students across India had to retake a 180‑question test under unprecedented security after the first paper was cancelled following allegations that questions had leaked.
At exam centres on Sunday morning, students encountered biometric identification, metal detectors, armoured patrols, and thorough frisking.
To minimise risk, the Indian Air Force transported new test papers to selected regions and more than 1.3 million cameras were installed in over 95,000 exam rooms.
Nevada officials deployed 51,311 jammers to block phone signals and temporarily banned Telegram to prevent potential cheating.
Strict dress codes were enforced; some women were asked to remove nose pins, wrist threads, and men had to replace enclosed shoes.
Despite the extensive measures, students like Diksha expressed lingering fear and challenged the feasibility of preparing again within a month.
Students demanded accountability from the Education Minister whose remarks encouraged calm, but protests continued over concerns that the leak was not isolated.
Events echo earlier controversies in 2024 and 2026 involving paper leakage, fraud and grading irregularities in national exams.
Reports indicate drones, dog squads, and a large contingent of security personnel staffed each venue.
Protestors staged demonstrations in multiple cities, holding placards and calling for reform in exam administration.
Investigations have been handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation, with scrutiny over past incidents of exam fraud.
The NEET‑UG exam, essential for admission to medical colleges in India, spans 3 hours and 15 minutes, testing physics, chemistry and biology.
