Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 21: As thousands of students appeared for the NEET-UG re-examination across the country on Sunday, many expressed a mix of anxiety, frustration and cautious optimism following the alleged paper leak during the May 3 examination. While candidates said the controversy had disrupted their preparation and affected their mental well-being, they hoped the authorities would ensure a transparent and fair examination process this time.
Outside an examination centre in New Delhi, a candidate said the uncertainty surrounding the previous exam had taken a toll on her mental health, but she remained committed to giving her best effort once again.
Another aspirant, appearing for his first NEET attempt, said his initial examination had gone well and he had expected to score more than 600 marks. However, he admitted feeling nervous ahead of the re-examination despite his earlier confidence.
In Patna, students gathered outside Bapu Pariksha Parisar voiced their disappointment over recurring issues affecting competitive examinations. One student said repeated controversies had become emotionally exhausting, adding that many aspirants had slipped into depression after investing months of hard work and preparation.
Another candidate said students would continue to remain tense until the final results are declared and all concerns related to the examination process are addressed.
In Bihar's Nalanda district, candidate Ranjan Kumar said he had been allotted the same examination centre as before and faced several difficulties in reaching the venue. He stressed that another paper leak would only worsen the situation for students.
At M.G. Science Institute in Ahmedabad, an aspirant described the announcement of the re-examination as initially disheartening but said students now hoped this would be the final time they would have to deal with such disruptions.
She also said authorities must ensure that future batches of students do not face similar challenges.
Parents accompanying candidates shared their concerns as well. One mother said her daughter had aspired to become a doctor since childhood and had prepared extensively for the original examination. However, she said the repeated uncertainty had left her daughter deeply disappointed, though the family remained hopeful that the re-examination would proceed smoothly.
Meanwhile, in Jammu, one candidate chose to view the re-test positively, saying it offered another opportunity to prove herself. At the same time, she acknowledged that it was difficult to return to a disciplined study routine after the unexpected disruption.
The NEET-UG re-examination is being conducted under heightened security arrangements, with authorities aiming to restore confidence among lakhs of medical aspirants after the controversy surrounding the alleged paper leak earlier this year. Students across the country are now hoping for a smooth process and a credible outcome that reflects their hard work and merit.