Over 22.7 lakh candidates are set to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025, scheduled to be held across the country on Sunday. The examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), will take place at 5,453 centres spread across more than 500 cities.

In the wake of allegations of paper leaks and irregularities during last year’s examination, the NTA has implemented strict security and monitoring protocols. According to officials from the Union Ministry of Education, a three-tier surveillance system—operating at the district, state, and centre levels—has been established to ensure the integrity of the exam process.

Most of the centres this year are located in government and government-aided institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities. The NTA has also issued detailed guidelines, requiring candidates to follow the rules meticulously. Any violation, such as impersonation, cheating, or use of unfair means, could lead to cancellation of results and a three-year ban from all NTA-conducted exams.

In an official advisory, the agency warned students against falling for false claims made by individuals promising influence over exam results or admissions. “Students are strongly advised to rely only on official communications available on the NTA website,” the advisory stated.

This year’s NEET-UG is being held in the afternoon session, prompting the NTA to instruct examination centres to ensure essential amenities in light of the ongoing summer heat. These include access to drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, portable toilets where necessary, and availability of emergency medical support such as first aid and ambulances.

The stepped-up measures come amid a concerted effort by authorities to restore confidence in the examination process following last year’s controversy, which led to widespread criticism and legal scrutiny over alleged score inflation and irregular grace marking.

-IANS