PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination was conducted peacefully across Uttarakhand on Sunday. More than 21,000 students appeared for the medical entrance examination at over 53 centres in 13 cities across the state. The examination began at 2 PM and concluded at 5:15 PM. However, several parents of candidates expressed frustration over the paper leak controversy that led to the re-examination
In Dehradun, 16 examination centres were set up and around 6,800 candidates were expected to appear. Two nodal officers were assigned responsibility for monitoring the centres, while the district administration activated a control room and other arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the examination.
After the exam, many candidates described the question paper as moderate in difficulty. However, some students said that the physics and chemistry sections were tougher than expected. Several candidates expressed relief after completing the examination, while others said the re-examination had increased pressure and stress. One of the students said that his first examination had gone well and he was expecting good marks. However, the cancellation of the earlier exam was disappointing. He said he could not prepare for the re-examination in the same way and felt more pressure and nervousness while appearing for the test again.
Several parents expressed disappointment with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and questioned the arrangements made after the paper leak controversy. A candidate’s mother said that students were subjected to strict checking at examination centres as if they were responsible for some wrongdoing. She questioned why similar security measures were not focused on the places where question papers are printed and handled. According to her, stronger restrictions at those locations would be more effective in preventing paper leaks.
Another parent said that many families had lost confidence in the system. “Authorities claim that security has been tightened, but most of the strict measures are only for students. There should also be strict monitoring of officials, teachers and all locations involved in the preparation and distribution of the question papers,” the parent said.
A third parent said that students had worked hard for the examination and hoped that no irregularity would occur this time. “We only hope that the paper does not leak again and that students get a fair chance based on their hard work,” the parent said.
Meanwhile, to ensure fair and secure conduct of the examination, extensive security arrangements were made across the state. Security personnel, city coordinators and observers were deployed at all examination centres. For the first time, Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters were used to transport examination materials in an effort to prevent any possibility of a paper leak.
