New Delhi, June 20: A controversy surrounding the allocation of a National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 examination centre to a candidate in Abu Dhabi has triggered a political debate ahead of the re-examination scheduled on June 21.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi recently highlighted the case of a Nagpur-based candidate who was reportedly allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi, raising concerns about the examination administration process and student welfare.
However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a clarification, stating that records indicate the examination city was changed to Abu Dhabi through the candidate’s own registered login credentials during the correction window that was reopened following the rescheduling of the examination.
According to NTA officials, digital records show that the city preference was modified once and subsequently reviewed twice using the same account credentials, with no indication of unauthorised access. The agency maintained that the change originated from the candidate’s registered account.
Officials further noted that approximately 3.2 lakh candidates utilised the correction facility, with more than 99.5 per cent reportedly receiving their preferred examination cities.
The NTA said that after receiving an informal request regarding the issue on June 19, officials immediately contacted the candidate’s family and initiated the required procedures. The agency subsequently approved the request to shift the examination centre from Abu Dhabi to Nagpur, allowing the student to appear for the examination without inconvenience.
Government sources described the agency’s response as evidence of a “student-first” approach, emphasising that the candidate’s concerns were addressed promptly despite records suggesting that the city change had been made through the registered account.
The issue has sparked wider discussions about the handling of examination-related concerns and the role of political leaders in raising such matters. While critics argue that public interventions should be based on verified facts, supporters maintain that elected representatives have a responsibility to highlight student grievances and seek accountability from examination authorities.
With lakhs of aspirants preparing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, education experts have stressed the importance of timely communication, transparency and fact-based discourse to avoid unnecessary anxiety among students and parents.
The NTA reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and fair examination process and stated that it continues to address candidate concerns through established grievance redressal mechanisms.
