NEET re-test ridiculous, exhausting: Candidates

Kolkata: Appearing for the NEET-UG, again, especially at a time when they were waiting for the results, was not an easy task, complained candidates after the National Test Agency on Tuesday cancelled the entrance test to medical courses held on May 3 following an alleged paper leak in Rajasthan.

Kharda resident Arunodoy Bhakta, who had appeared for the medical entrance test, said the news came as a shock. "I am feeling upset after getting this news. I was expecting the date of the result to be announced soon. Instead, I got to know that I have to appear for the test again. Competitive exams require a certain mindset."





Several others expressed similar discontent, highlighting the trouble they faced and raising questions over security at exam halls. A student from Salt Lake said, "We underwent a thorough check before entering the exam hall. We also had to follow certain guidelines, apparently set to ensure a fair exam. Invigilators were very strict, and I had trouble with time management during the exam. Despite all this tight security, how did the paper leak? Why do students have to suffer at every instance?"

Dibyendu Banerjee, father of another candidate, criticised the re-test decision and the handling of the examination process. "This is ridiculous. The agency has declared the exam cancelled, but what about the students who prepared for the test for over two years, and then, gave their best, hoping to score well? The agency cannot even ensure security for exams," Banerjee said. "I faced a problem with my son's admit card and had to send multiple emails to the NTA to get it corrected. If they are so strict why can't they prevent such lapses? A similar scam was reported two years ago, but they took the matter lightly, and the same thing has happened again. This time, on a larger scale, and within two years. This is very unfortunate. They cannot play with the future of youngsters."

Araghni Bhowmik, who had appeared for the ISC exams from DPS Newtown, said he felt exhausted at the very prospect of taking the exam again. He said, "I was quite confident about the first examination that I appeared for on May 3. Now it is cancelled and we are being told that we will have to appear for a retest. It is really, a very tiring prospect for me. Not only do I have to revise old lessons, but it is also exhausting because I had spent several sleepless nights preparing. Now all those efforts feel wasted. The paper might be a bit difficult this time. But I have no other choice and have to appear for the retest. I will start revising immediately."

The All India Democratic Students' Organisation issued a press statement and called for a united voice against continuous irregularities and insecurity surrounding central examinations. It also called for building a nationwide movement demanding a fair, democratic and reliable examination system.

In the 2024 NEET-UG, 67 candidates had achieved a perfect score of 720/720, and many of the toppers were from the same exam centre, after which the matter went to the Supreme Court. Instead of ordering a retest, 26 students were suspended and 42 candidates were debarred from the examination for three years.