Mumbai: Students denied NEET UG re-exam entry for arriving late, sparking protest at exam centre

A controversy erupted in Mumbai during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination after two students were reportedly denied entry to their examination centre for arriving after the prescribed reporting time. The incident triggered protests from parents and guardians, who argued that the students should have been allowed to appear for the exam considering the significance of the national medical entrance test.

According to reports, the students reached the examination centre shortly after the designated cut-off time.

However, authorities strictly enforced the National Testing Agency's (NTA) guidelines, which prohibit candidates from entering the examination hall once the gates are closed. Despite appeals from family members and local residents, officials declined to make an exception.

The incident led to heated exchanges outside the centre, with parents expressing frustration over the rigid implementation of rules. Some argued that traffic congestion and unforeseen circumstances can sometimes delay candidates despite their best efforts to arrive on time.

Officials maintained that the guidelines are uniformly applied across all examination centres to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the examination process. The NTA has repeatedly advised candidates to reach their centres well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

The episode has reignited discussions on balancing strict examination protocols with exceptional circumstances, particularly in high-stakes national entrance examinations that determine admission to medical colleges across the country.