1,227 candidates absent for NEET UG re-exam in Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru: As many as 1,227 candidates were absent for the NEET UG re-examination held at 12 centres across Dakshina Kannada district on Sunday.
According to official figures, 5,570 candidates had registered for the examination, but only 4,343 appeared. The number of absentees was higher compared to the previous examination.
The re-examination was conducted following allegations of a question paper leak in the earlier NEET exam. Officials said the test was held smoothly across all centres in the district under tight security arrangements.
Many candidates from outside Dakshina Kannada arrived in Mangaluru with their parents a day before the examination.
Students who appeared for the test said the Physics and Chemistry sections were relatively difficult. Some candidates felt the questions in these subjects were easier in the earlier examination.
Candidates were allowed into examination halls only after thorough verification and security checks. This time, students were given an additional 15 minutes to complete the paper compared to the earlier exam. Candidates with disabilities were provided one extra hour.
To prevent malpractice, examination centres were equipped with biometric facial recognition systems, CCTV cameras and mobile signal jammers. Candidates were permitted to carry only their admit cards and identity documents into the centres.
Authorities had also issued detailed guidelines regarding the dress code in advance.
A superintendent and supporting staff were appointed at each examination centre. Officials said the question paper packets, transported under GPS monitoring, were opened by the candidates themselves after being brought to the examination halls.
Security arrangements included deployment of around 30 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) along with local police at each centre.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had also appointed two nodal officers in Dakshina Kannada to oversee the conduct of the examination.