Millions of aspiring medical students in India faced an unprecedented level of security on Sunday as they retook a vital entrance examination. Rigorous biometric checks, metal detectors, armoured patrols, and physical searches were just some of the measures implemented at 5,440 exam centres nationwide.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, is a mandatory requirement for students seeking admission to medical colleges in India. Only a small fraction of the millions who sit the exam each year achieve scores high enough to secure a coveted college placement.
Of the 2.28 million candidates who initially sat the notoriously difficult paper on May 3rd, many had dedicated months – or even years – to their preparation. The subsequent cancellation was devastating for students, sparking widespread protests and demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. In a message of reassurance, he urged students to "Sit fearlessly, without worry, and you will definitely do well" before Sunday's rescheduled exam.
The National Testing Agency confirmed that every one of the more than 95,000 exam rooms was fitted with security cameras – part of a total installation of over 1.3 million cameras. A further 51,311 signal jammers were deployed to block phone signals and electronic interference. Telegram was temporarily blocked until Monday amid concerns it could be used for cheating. Nationally, approximately 39,000 staff were employed for frisking, with each centre having between 40 to 50 security personnel.
Reports from India Today indicated the use of drones and dog squads to monitor areas surrounding some centres, alongside strict dress codes – including bans on enclosed shoes. Some female candidates were reportedly asked to remove nose pins and wrist threads, while pictures showed security personnel inspecting candidates' hair and removing earrings.
Despite the heightened security, students expressed lingering concerns. Diksha, a candidate, told Reuters: "There is fear because the [exam] paper has leaked once already. This is not a one-off thing, it happens every year." She added that while a retake was positive for diligent students, preparing again within a month was challenging.
The exam's high difficulty and competitiveness have attracted organised crime networks seeking to profit from exam fraud. The leak allegations have been referred to India's Supreme Court and are currently under investigation.