NEET UG 2025: 20.8 Lakh Candidates Participate in Smooth Examination

NEET UG 2025 Examination Overview

According to the Ministry of Education, over 20.8 lakh candidates took part in the NEET UG 2025 examination, which was conducted in 548 cities across India and 14 international locations.

Sources confirmed that the exam proceeded without significant issues or malpractice incidents. "The examination was conducted smoothly with 20.8 lakh candidates participating," a source stated, noting only minor issues such as late arrivals and some confusion regarding dress codes.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which organized the medical entrance exam, implemented a comprehensive 'whole-of-government' strategy to ensure the examination's integrity and security.

Centralized Control and Monitoring

A Centralized Control Room was set up under the Ministry of Education, integrating officials from various ministries, including Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs, Defence, and Electronics & IT (MeitY). This control hub monitored real-time developments in collaboration with district administrations and police forces nationwide.

To enhance oversight, nodal Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were designated to collaborate with local authorities for on-ground monitoring. Mock drills were conducted at all 5,453 centres on May 3 to test biometric verification systems, mobile signal jammers, and the readiness of frisking personnel and other logistics.

Facilities and Support at Examination Centres

Most examination centres were established in government and government-aided institutions to ensure administrative reliability. Given the exam's timing during peak summer, authorities ensured the availability of drinking water, power backup, portable toilets, and first-aid facilities at each centre.

Combating Misinformation

To tackle misinformation and prevent malpractice, the NTA launched a Suspicious Claims Reporting Portal on April 26, which received over 2,300 reports, primarily concerning false claims of leaked papers on social media.

Officials identified 106 Telegram and 16 Instagram channels disseminating misinformation, and complaints have been filed with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Actions are being taken, and requests have been sent to social media platforms to remove fake content and provide administrative details.

On Sunday, new complaints were also filed against some active channels on Telegram and Instagram, which are currently under examination by I4C.