Chaos outside, calm inside: Candidates flag basic facility shortfalls at NEET re-Test

Lucknow: Inadequate basic amenities compounded anxiety for candidates and parents at several NEET-UG 2026 re-examination centres in the city on Sunday, even as the district administration and the police enforced heightened security measures following the paper leak row that led to the re-test.National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the re-examination at 75 centres across Lucknow, with 32,761 (92%) out of 35,594 registered candidates appearing. Entry was permitted between 11 am and 1.30 pm, while the exam was held from 2 pm to 5.15 pm. However, a TOI visit to multiple centres revealed gaps in arrangements, leaving students and guardians struggling outside exam venues.At Navyug Kanya Inter College in Rajendra Nagar, narrow approach roads witnessed bottlenecks and lacked traffic personnel for management.Parents complained about the absence of designated facilities for keeping bags and personal belongings, while students were seen leaving shoes in the open near staircases.Similar issues were reported from DAV College, where candidates said there was no proper system for storing bags or mobile phones.At KanyaKubj Degree College (KKC), Maharaja Bijli Pasi Govt PG College and Kalicharan PG College, parents flagged a lack of drinking water, seating, cooling arrangements and waiting areas.

Parking emerged as a major concern at KKC and National PG College, with vehicles being parked nearly 500 metres away, leading to snarls on adjoining streets.“There should be proper parking and facilities for keeping bags and mobile phones,” said Ayaan, an aspirant from Lakhimpur Kheri.However, inside the centres, the amenities were good, said candidates.Despite the shortcomings, security remained stringent. Officials implemented a three-tier verification system, checking at the main gate, within campus premises and again at the entry point before allowing candidates into exam halls.

Separate frisking arrangements were made for male and female candidates, and entry was granted only after verification of admit cards and ID proof. CCTV surveillance and social media monitoring were also in place.Candidates travelled from districts such as Gonda, Amethi, Shahjahanpur, Saifai and Karhal, adding to the logistical pressure. Many said uncertainty over the exam and fear of another leak heightened stress levels.“The only thing that matters is that the exam is conducted fairly,” said Shruti Shrivastava, a candidate appearing for her third attempt.Several students also flagged the mental strain of reappearing for the test. “The paper leak created difficulties and authorities should take accountability,” said Zainul from Karhal.Students from far-off districts demanded more centres, saying limited locations added to travel burden and pre-exam anxiety.However, Pradeep Verma, ADM (Administration), said that as per NTA guidelines, candidates were not allowed to bring mobile phones, bags or other electronic gadgets to the examination centres. He said all NTA instructions were followed. Basic facilities such as drinking water and shaded waiting areas were provided. No complaints were received in this regard. However, if any complaint is received, appropriate action will be taken.(With inputs from Varun Kumar Sagar, Love Agarwal and Amritansh Singh)NR runs special trains to cater to rushTo support NEET 2026 aspirants on Sunday, Northern Railway Lucknow division operated three special unreserved trains on the Lucknow–Varanasi (04206), Lucknow–Prayagraj Sangam (04202) and Varanasi–Patna (04208) .