Bhubaneswar, May 5: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) was conducted across the country today, with over 22.7 lakh candidates appearing for the crucial medical entrance exam.
The exam was held at 5,453 centers across India, while also being conducted in 13 international cities. In Odisha, 26 cities hosted the examination, with Bhubaneswar alone accommodating 32 centers. Around 1 lakh students from Odisha took the exam this year.
This year’s exam continued the rising trend in participation, with 20.8 lakh students appearing across India. The test was conducted in a single shift from 2 PM to 5 PM.
NEET-UG has seen a consistent surge in registrations over the past few years. In 2024, 24 lakh candidates had registered; in 2023, the number stood at 20.87 lakh; in 2022, 18.72 lakh; in 2021, 16.14 lakh; and in 2020, 15.97 lakh students appeared for the exam.
However, the examination was not without controversy. Allegations surfaced regarding agents luring students with false promises of guaranteed admissions, early access to question papers, or seamless entry into exam centers, in exchange for large sums of money. Acting on these reports, police carried out raids and arrested several individuals involved in such fraudulent activities.
In response, the National Testing Agency (NTA) issued strong advisory urging candidates to stay away from any such agents or middlemen and to avoid engaging in any financial transactions for exam-related favors.
