The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-examination was conducted smoothly across Kerala on Sunday, with no major incidents reported from examination centres. The test was held in examination venues across 16 city centres in the State. Nearly 1.28 lakh candidates had registered for the medical entrance examination.

The examination was held under stringent security arrangements and candidates were subjected to mandatory checks before entering the examination halls. In accordance with the National Testing Agency (NTA) guidelines, the candidates were prohibited from carrying mobile phones, electronic gadgets, earphones, smart watches, calculators, pen drives, purses, notebooks, cameras and food items into the examination halls.

The entry gates were opened at 11.30 a.m. and closed at 1.30 p.m., after which no candidate was permitted to enter. The examination commenced at 2 p.m. and concluded at 5 p.m.

Mixed reactions

The candidates who appeared for the test expressed mixed reactions about its difficulty level. Some students said the question paper was more challenging than the cancelled examination. A common observation was that Physics was particularly difficult, while Biology was comparatively easier and Chemistry ranged from “average to moderately difficult”.

In Thiruvananthapuram, one candidate said Biology could be completed comfortably within the allotted time, but Chemistry became more challenging and Physics contained lengthy questions that required considerable time to read and understand.

Another student described the examination as “much tougher” than the previous one, and claimed that only around 30 Physics questions could be attempted with confidence.

Candidates also spoke about the challenges of preparing for the exam again after having already appeared for it earlier. Some said they had to resume intensive preparation despite believing their examination process had already concluded. The additional burden of travel, repeated preparation and prolonged uncertainty affected their readiness for the re-test.