Mangaluru: A total of 5,570 candidates from Dakshina Kannada have registered for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-examination scheduled to be held across the country on June 21 for admission to undergraduate medical courses.

The re-examination will be conducted at 12 centres, all located within Mangaluru city limits, with authorities putting in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of the examination.

A preparatory meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Raju K to review the arrangements and coordinate among various departments involved in conducting the examination.

Authorities stress transparent conduct

Addressing the meeting, ADC Raju K emphasised that all necessary measures must be taken to ensure the NEET re-examination is conducted in a systematic and transparent manner.

He directed officials to strictly adhere to the guidelines prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and ensure that there are no lapses in the examination process.

Heads of examination centres have been instructed to make adequate seating arrangements for all candidates appearing for the examination. Authorities have also ensured that two invigilators will be deployed in each examination hall to facilitate smooth conduct and maintain strict supervision.

The NTA has provided the necessary screening equipment and personnel required for candidate verification before entry into the examination centres.

Tight security arrangements in place

Security has been significantly strengthened for the examination, considering the sensitivity surrounding NEET examinations in recent years.

In addition to local police personnel, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also be deployed at the examination centres. A 30-member CAPF team is expected to arrive in Mangaluru to assist in maintaining security and preventing any untoward incidents.

Armed local police personnel will also be stationed at every examination centre.

The NTA has appointed two nodal officers for Dakshina Kannada district to supervise and monitor the conduct of the examination. Stressing the importance of vigilance, the Additional Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure that there is no scope for irregularities or malpractice during the examination.

Strict screening and prohibited items

Candidates will undergo thorough screening before entering the examination halls. Authorities have imposed strict restrictions on the items that can be carried into the examination centres.

Electronic devices including mobile phones, pen drives, earphones, microphones and Bluetooth-enabled gadgets will not be permitted inside the examination halls. The use of mobile phones and photography has also been strictly prohibited for both candidates and examination staff.

Officials have been instructed to verify in advance that all CCTV cameras installed at the examination centres are functioning properly, as the entire examination process will be monitored through CCTV surveillance.

Entry timings and examination schedule

The Additional Deputy Commissioner said candidates will be allowed to enter the examination centres between 11 am and 1.30 pm on Saturday.

The NEET (UG) re-examination will be conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm.

Candidates with disabilities will be provided an additional one hour to complete the examination, while all candidates will receive an extra 15 minutes this year in accordance with the revised examination guidelines.

Authorities have directed the police, treasury and other concerned departments to work in coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination. Officials have also been instructed to monitor crowds outside the examination centres and ensure adherence to the prescribed timings.

Multi-department coordination

The preparatory meeting was attended by NEET Nodal Officer and Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya Tek Chand, co-nodal officer Jaswinder, District Information Officer Khader Shah, Pre-University Education Department Office Superintendent Nithin Shetty, Police Inspector Gopalakrishna and other officials.

With more than 5,500 candidates set to appear for the re-examination, district authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the examination is conducted fairly, securely and without any disruptions.