Excessive Security Measures for NEET Retest May Stress Students: Annamalai

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai has questioned the stringent security arrangements planned for the NEET UG retest scheduled for June 21, 2026. While acknowledging the importance of preventing paper leaks, he argued that the extensive measures could place undue pressure on students.

The security framework includes two-tier CRPF and CISF escorts with IAF support, four-layer CCTV surveillance with AI monitoring, biometric and facial recognition checks, multiple frisking rounds, and direct Prime Minister's Office oversight. Annamalai remarked that such arrangements are typically reserved for highly sensitive operations rather than entrance examinations.

He expressed concern that longer verification procedures, repeated frisking, and the extension of examination duration from 180 to 195 minutes could increase anxiety among candidates who have already spent months preparing for the competitive examination.