NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam Statistics: From 551 Cities to 2 Lakh Personnel, Key Figures You Should Know

National Testing Agency (NTA) is all set to conduct the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, with one of the largest examination operations in the country underway. The pen-and-paper examination will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM (IST), while eligible PwD and PwBD candidates entitled to compensatory time will be allowed to write until 6:20 PM.

Ahead of the examination, the agency has released key figures highlighting the massive scale of preparations, extensive security arrangements, and candidate-friendly measures put in place for the smooth conduct of the test.

NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam in Numbers

• Examination Date: June 21, 2026

• Exam Mode: Pen-and-paper (offline)

• Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM (IST)

• PwD/PwBD Exam Timing: Up to 6:20 PM

• Candidates Registered: 22.79 lakh

• Cities in India: 551

• International Cities: 14

• Personnel Deployed: More than 2 lakh

• City Coordinators: 674

• Observers: 6,669

According to NTA, the re-examination requires close coordination among multiple agencies and levels of administration to ensure transparency and fairness.

More Than 2 Lakh Personnel Mobilised

To manage the examination on such a large scale, the agency has deployed more than 2 lakh personnel across the country and overseas centres.

The workforce includes city coordinators, observers, centre superintendents, invigilators, district administrations, police forces, and escort teams responsible for the secure handling and transportation of confidential examination materials.

NTA said the extensive deployment reflects its commitment to conducting the examination smoothly while maintaining the integrity of the process.

Multi-Layered Security Framework

The agency has implemented an enhanced security and monitoring system for the re-examination.

The measures include:

• Secure transportation of confidential materials under sealed protocols

• GPS-enabled vehicles accompanied by police escorts

• CCTV surveillance at all examination centres linked to central control rooms

• Mandatory frisking using high-sensitivity metal detectors

• Aadhaar-based biometric verification to prevent impersonation

• Real-time monitoring through centralised systems

NTA has also stepped up surveillance of social media platforms to identify misinformation and prevent unfair practices. The agency said complaints have been filed with cyber-crime authorities, including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), against individuals and groups attempting to spread false information.

Biometric Verification Exception Protocol

The agency clarified that candidates will not be denied entry if biometric verification cannot be completed due to technical issues, poor fingerprint quality, connectivity problems with UIDAI servers, or physical limitations.

In such cases, candidates will be required to submit a written undertaking and undergo manual identity verification using valid documents before being allowed to take the examination.

Candidate-Friendly Arrangements at Centres

Keeping in mind the large candidate volume and prevailing summer conditions, NTA has instructed all examination centres to make several arrangements for student convenience.

These include:

• Reliable power backup, including generators

• Adequate lighting, electricity, and fans

• Wall clocks in examination rooms

• Drinking water and sanitation facilities

• On-site medical support

• Additional biometric machines and trained personnel

Candidates are permitted to carry a transparent water bottle inside the examination hall. Diabetic candidates may also carry sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges, in accordance with NTA guidelines.

Reporting Time and Entry Rules

Candidates are required to report to their examination centres between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

NTA has emphasised that the examination centre gates will close sharply at 1:30 PM, and no candidate will be permitted to enter after the deadline under any circumstances.

Students have also been advised to verify the exact address of their examination centres from their admit cards and avoid relying solely on map applications, which may occasionally display incorrect locations.

Candidates must carry:

• A printed copy of the admit card

• One original valid photo ID

• Two passport-size photographs for the attendance sheet

Ignore Rumours, Follow Official Updates

NTA has urged candidates to rely only on information available on neet.nta.nic.in and avoid falling for rumours, fake notices, or claims of question paper leaks.

The agency has also encouraged students to remain calm and trust their preparation. For mental well-being support, candidates may seek assistance through official helplines, including Tele-MANAS (14416).

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and operational efficiency, the National Testing Agency said the entire administrative machinery is fully prepared to conduct the NEET UG 2026 re-examination smoothly across India and abroad on June 21.