Ensure well-being of NEET candidates amid heat: Pradhan to states

Nagpur: With severe heatwave sweeping Vidarbha and temperatures likely to remain high even next month, students preparing for the NEET (UG) re-examination on June 21 have a tougher task at hand. Bringing some respite is Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's directives about ensuring basic amenities like drinking water and coolers at the examination centres. Pradhan on Monday wrote to all chief ministers, lieutenant governors and administrators across the country, seeking their cooperation for the smooth conduct of the re-examination. In his letter, Pradhan urged state govts to coordinate with local authorities so that candidates are not inconvenienced due to weather conditions. "In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions, I request you to kindly issue appropriate instructions to the district authorities and all schools, colleges, universities and other institutions hosting the examination in your State/UT to ensure the availability of essential basic amenities for the convenience of candidates. These may include safe drinking water, adequate seating arrangements, functional fans/coolers, clean washrooms, shaded waiting areas, uninterrupted electricity supply and portable toilets, wherever required," Pradhan wrote.The minister also called upon state govts to ensure adequate transportation facilities for candidates on the day of the examination, emphasising that the interests and well-being of students were of paramount importance. The NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21 follows NTA's decision earlier this month to cancel the examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. Candidates will not be required to register afresh or pay any additional fee, and fees already paid will be refunded.