The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination witnessed scenes of anxiety and frustration across several cities on Sunday, as candidates were denied entry after arriving late due to traffic congestion, travel delays, documentation issues and disputes at examination centres.
Despite heightened security and strict examination protocols, many students and parents complained that unforeseen circumstances prevented candidates from entering centres before the mandatory 1.30 pm deadline.
Students turned away across multiple cities
In Delhi, a candidate alleged that she reached her examination centre at the scheduled time but was denied entry after authorities refused to reopen the gate.
Similar scenes unfolded in Mumbai, where two candidates arriving after the deadline were not allowed to enter an examination centre in Parel. The incident sparked protests outside the venue as families pleaded with officials to permit entry.
In Bengaluru, four aspirants reportedly missed the examination after reaching their centre shortly after the cut-off time. Parents blamed severe traffic congestion allegedly caused by a political rally and inadequate traffic management in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, three students arrived at 1.32 pm and attempted to enter the campus after the gates were closed, but were unable to access the examination hall.
Travel and documentation issues add to difficulties
In Uttar Pradesh, some candidates claimed they were directed to incorrect locations by navigation apps and failed to reach their designated centres before the deadline.
Another student said he missed the examination after leaving the centre to retrieve a missing photograph required for verification, only to return after the gates had closed.
In Bhopal, two candidates were denied entry after being delayed by a road accident while travelling to the examination venue.
Entry rules trigger controversy
A separate controversy emerged in Rajasthan, where a candidate alleged she was asked to remove parts of her religious attire before being permitted entry.
In Gujarat, examination authorities reportedly asked candidates to remove religious threads and necklaces in compliance with security guidelines, leading to protests by activists outside one examination centre.
NTA sticks to strict guidelines
Despite appeals from candidates and parents, examination authorities maintained that National Testing Agency rules prohibit entry after 1.30 pm under any circumstances.
The NEET-UG re-examination was conducted under extensive security arrangements across India, with officials stating that the strict measures were necessary to ensure fairness and transparency following the earlier cancellation of the examination.