The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination was conducted peacefully and without disruption across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, 21 June, with more than 1.37 lakh students appearing at hundreds of centres spread across both states. The re-test was ordered following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG held on 3 May after a question paper leak triggered a nationwide controversy.

Exam at a Glance

In Telangana, over 72,000 students sat the exam at 208 centres across 24 cities. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh saw more than 65,000 candidates appear at 185 centres spread across 27 cities. The examination was conducted in pen-and-paper Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) mode, running from 2 pm to 5.15 pm IST. Candidates with disabilities were given extended time until 6.20 pm.

Entry to exam centres opened at 11 am and closed at 1.30 pm, with no candidate permitted entry after the cut-off. Authorities conducted thorough checks and biometric verification before allowing students inside.

Student Reactions: Mixed Signals on Difficulty

Reactions from students after the exam were varied. While a section of candidates felt the paper was comparatively easier than the 3 May sitting, others described it as tougher. Physics emerged as the most challenging section, according to student feedback. Chemistry was rated moderate, while Biology was considered manageable by most.

Security, Free Travel, and On-Ground Support

Both state governments deployed tight security around examination venues, with additional police personnel managing vehicular traffic. State-owned transport corporations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh offered free bus travel to candidates on production of their hall tickets.

In a notable instance of on-ground assistance, Osmania University Police Station Inspector Mahesh Kumar Goud personally transported a candidate who had arrived at the wrong venue to her correct examination centre in time. Similarly, a constable from Trimulgherry Police Station escorted a candidate and his father after they too reported to the wrong centre.

However, a distressing scene unfolded at one centre in Hyderabad, where a candidate was denied entry after arriving past the 1.30 pm deadline. Her father reportedly pleaded with security personnel, citing a technical glitch that prevented them from locating the venue in time.

Political Fallout Over May 3 Cancellation

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar praised the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) for providing free travel to students. He also used the occasion to criticise the Centre, alleging that the Union government had failed to conduct the original exam properly, resulting in the paper leak. He called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign on moral grounds — a demand the minister has not publicly responded to.

The re-examination marks a critical step toward restoring confidence in the medical entrance process. Results and the next steps in the admission cycle are now awaited by over a lakh students across the two Telugu states.