The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination concluded across Mysuru on Sunday (June 21) amid stringent security arrangements, though nearly one-fourth of the registered candidates skipped the test, which was necessitated by the question paper leak controversy.

According to official figures, 6,039 of the 7,886 registered candidates appeared for the examination conducted at 21 centres across the city, while 1,847 candidates remained absent, resulting in an absentee rate of over 23%. The reasons for the high absenteeism were not immediately known.

The re-test, held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., was conducted under tight security, with the district administration putting in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and incident-free conduct of the examination.

The re-examination had generated considerable anxiety among students and their families after the paper leak scandal forced lakhs of medical aspirants across the country to rewrite the highly competitive entrance test.

Security checks commenced around 11 a.m. at all examination centres. Candidates underwent mandatory frisking and biometric verification before being allowed to enter the premises. Authorities had instructed students to report well in advance, warning that entry gates would be closed at 1.30 p.m.

Police personnel and examination officials verified admit cards and identity documents before permitting candidates to enter the centres. Security was visibly heightened outside all venues, with policemen deployed to regulate crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.

Large numbers of anxious parents and family members were seen waiting outside the examination centres as students took the crucial test, which has remained under intense public scrutiny since allegations of a question paper leak surfaced.