The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination has come under scrutiny after students alleged invasive frisking procedures and humiliating security checks at examination centres, raising concerns about candidate dignity amid heightened anti-cheating measures.
The re-exam was conducted on June 21 under strict security arrangements introduced after the cancellation of the original May 3 examination following a paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) implemented extensive screening measures, including biometric verification, AI-assisted surveillance, CCTV monitoring, signal jammers, and physical frisking, to prevent malpractice.
One allegation that gained significant attention on social media emerged from West Bengal, where NEET candidate Hrishika Pal claimed she was subjected to an invasive frisking procedure at the Malda Bibhutibhusan High School examination centre, her designated re-NEET venue.
According to Pal, female security personnel questioned whether she was wearing a sanitary pad. After she replied that she was, she alleged that she was instructed to lower her pants so that the pad could be inspected.
In a statement shared on social media, Pal wrote:
"I was asked whether I was on my period. After answering yes, I was instructed by a female staff member to lower my pants so that my sanitary pad could be inspected."
She further alleged that the inspection went beyond a routine security check.
"This was not a routine security check over clothing. I was made to expose an intimate part of my body in order to gain entry to an examination that determines the future of lakhs of students."
Pal said the incident left her feeling shocked and powerless, particularly because she feared that refusing the instruction could affect her ability to enter the examination hall. She said she decided to share her experience publicly to seek answers and determine whether other candidates had faced similar treatment.
The candidate also questioned whether examination authorities had drawn an appropriate line between security requirements and personal dignity.
Her post concluded with a statement that has since been widely shared on social media:
"Security checks are necessary. Humiliation is not."
Pal's allegations quickly gained attention online, with many users expressing concern over the reported nature of the inspection. The incident sparked discussions about whether security protocols were being implemented in a manner that respected candidates' privacy and dignity.
Another social media user alleged that she underwent a similar experience at a different examination centre. In a comment responding to Hrishika Pal's post, the user alleged that she was asked to lower her pants despite informing staff that she felt uncomfortable.
"Yesterday the same thing happened to me. My centre was Beleghta Santi Sangha Girls' School. Even after I told them I was feeling uncomfortable, they wanted me to lower my pants. I asked the teachers and they didn't even listen to me. You don't have the right to check us like this."
Also see: No Leave For Students on June 20, 21: NMC Advisory to Medical Colleges Ahead of NEET-UG Re-Exam
Following Hrishika Pal's post, several other candidates claimed on social media that they had experienced similarly invasive frisking procedures at different examination centres. According to comments reported by India Today, one candidate alleged that she was subjected to similar checks at Beleghata Santi Sangha Girls' School despite expressing discomfort.
Some users also claimed that frisking personnel touched undergarments during checks or asked candidates to remove inner garments containing metal hooks. Others alleged inappropriate touching during physical screening. One commenter further claimed that she had faced similar questions regarding menstruation during a previous NEET examination at Sahapur High School in Malda.
The West Bengal incident emerged amid broader complaints related to security screening and entry procedures during the re-examination.
In Ahmedabad, tensions reportedly arose outside an examination centre over security screening procedures involving candidates wearing hijabs. The situation led to protests from some parents before authorities restored order and the examination proceeded.
The National Testing Agency's advisories for NEET-UG 2026 and the June 21 re-examination specify dress code requirements, mandatory frisking, and separate arrangements for male and female candidates. Candidates wearing customary or religious attire are required to report early to facilitate additional checks. However, the publicly available guidelines do not contain any specific provision authorising inspection of sanitary pads or requiring candidates to expose intimate areas during frisking.¹ ²
NTA advisories emphasise security screening and prohibit carrying unauthorised items but do not publicly describe procedures involving menstrual products. The agency has previously been directed by the Madras High Court to ensure the availability of sanitary pads and toilet access at examination centres, highlighting concerns regarding menstrual hygiene and privacy during examinations.³
The stringent security arrangements followed the cancellation of the original NEET-UG 2026 examination amid allegations of a large-scale paper leak.
In response, authorities introduced one of the most comprehensive security frameworks used for a national entrance examination. Measures reportedly included biometric authentication, facial verification, AI-based monitoring systems, CCTV surveillance, signal jammers and multiple layers of candidate verification.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)