Hyderabad, 21 June
Tears and Shattered Dreams: Late NEET Aspirants Denied Entry at Exam Centres Across India
Heartbreaking scenes were witnessed at several National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) examination centres across India on Sunday, June 21, as numerous aspirants were denied entry after arriving late, despite years of preparation and high hopes of securing a medical seat.
The NEET-UG re-examination was conducted under tight security arrangements following the cancellation of the earlier May 3 exam amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged question paper leak. The examination was held from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and abroad.
As per official guidelines, candidates were required to enter their examination centres before 1:30 PM, after which gates were closed.
Students Left in Tears Across Multiple Cities
Across several states, emotional scenes unfolded as students and their families pleaded with authorities for a chance to enter the examination centres.
Hyderabad: Students Turned Away for Arriving Late
In Hyderabad, two NEET aspirants were reportedly denied entry at the examination centre located inside Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in KPHB after reaching the venue beyond the permitted time.
The incident sparked disappointment among students and parents, many of whom argued that a few minutes should not determine the future of aspiring doctors.
Moradabad: Google Maps Error Costs Students Their Exam
At RN Inter College in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, several students reportedly reached the wrong location after allegedly being directed by Google Maps to an incorrect examination centre.
One candidate also claimed he was denied entry after losing the photograph required for verification. According to the student, officials initially told him the gate would remain open while he retrieved the photograph, but he was not allowed inside upon returning.
“This is my second attempt. Last year, I could not take the exam due to biometric verification issues. This time too, I was late despite performing well in the earlier exam,” the student said.- Tears and Shattered Dreams: Late NEET Aspirants Denied Entry at Exam Centres Across India
Bhopal: Accident Delays Candidate’s Arrival
In Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal, two students missed the examination after arriving late.
Amir Qadri, whose nephew was appearing for the exam, said they met with a road accident while travelling to the centre. The student reportedly received first aid before continuing the journey.
“Despite the emergency situation, authorities refused entry because the examination had already started,” he said.
Delhi: Relatives Plead Outside Closed Gates
At an examination centre in Delhi, tensions escalated after two candidates arrived around the gate closing time.
Family members accompanying the students were seen pleading with officials and banging on the gates. Some repeatedly appealed, saying, “It is a question of their future.”
Videos from the location showed students desperately trying to communicate with officials through small openings in the gate.
Bengaluru: Students Break Down in Tears
One of the most emotional incidents was reported from Bengaluru, Karnataka, where three students were seen crying outside a closed examination centre.
In a desperate attempt to save their chance, some students reportedly climbed over the outer gate, only to find the inner entrance locked, leaving them unable to sit for the examination.- Tears and Shattered Dreams: Late NEET Aspirants Denied Entry at Exam Centres Across India
Prime Minister Modi Delays Travel to Avoid Traffic Disruptions
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly delayed his departure from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after returning from Kolkata to ensure NEET candidates did not face traffic-related inconvenience.
Sources stated that the Prime Minister arrived at the airport around 1:15 PM but chose to remain there until after the examination began at 2:00 PM. The decision was reportedly taken to avoid any traffic restrictions that could affect students travelling to examination centres.
The Prime Minister was returning from his two-day visit to Odisha and West Bengal, where he participated in events marking International Yoga Day.- Tears and Shattered Dreams: Late NEET Aspirants Denied Entry at Exam Centres Across India
Debate Over Strict Entry Rules Continues
The incidents have once again sparked debate over strict examination entry rules. While authorities maintain that closing gates on time is essential to ensure fairness and security, many parents and students argue that exceptional circumstances such as accidents, navigation errors, and verification issues should be considered.
For many candidates, a delay of just a few minutes resulted in the loss of a crucial academic opportunity and the postponement of their medical aspirations for another year.
Conclusion
As videos of crying students and distressed parents continue to circulate on social media, the incidents have highlighted the immense pressure surrounding India’s most competitive medical entrance examination. While rules remain strict, the emotional scenes from exam centres across the country have reignited discussions about balancing fairness with compassion in high-stakes examinations. – Tears and Shattered Dreams: Late NEET Aspirants Denied Entry at Exam Centres Across India