The NEET-UG re-test went smoothly in Kerala

Female candidates to undergo security clearance before rescheduled NEET-UG examination at Government Higher Vocational College for Girls, Nadakkavu, Kozhikode on Sunday | Photo credit: K Ragesh

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) went off smoothly across Kerala on Sunday with no major incidents reported from the examination centres. The test was held at test sites in 16 urban centers in the state. Nearly 1.28 million candidates appeared for the entrance medical examination.

The exam took place under strict security measures and candidates were subjected to mandatory checks before entering the exam halls. As per National Testing Agency (NTA) guidelines, candidates were prohibited from carrying mobile phones, electronic devices, earphones, smart watches, calculators, pens, wallets, laptops, cameras and food into the examination halls.

The entry gates were opened at 11:30 am and closed at 1:30 pm after which no candidate was allowed to enter. The exam started at 2 pm and ended at 5 pm

Mixed reactions

Candidates who took the test expressed mixed reactions to its difficulty. Some students said that the written question was more challenging than the canceled exam. A common observation was that physics was particularly difficult, while biology was relatively easier and chemistry ranged from “average to moderately difficult”.

In Thiruvananthapuram, one candidate said that biology could be completed comfortably in 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 exam as “much tougher” than the previous one, claiming that only around 30 physics questions could be attempted with confidence.

Candidates also spoke about the difficulty of preparing for the exam after appearing for it previously. Some reported that they had to resume intensive preparation despite believing that their trial process had already ended. The added burden of travel, repeated preparation, and lingering uncertainty affected their readiness for the retest.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 21:36 IST