Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has expressed concerns over the extensive security arrangements put in place for the NEET-UG re-examination, saying such measures would increase stress and anxiety among students.
Annamalai, who recently quit the party to form his own political movement, also alleged that the increase in overall exam duration from 180 minutes to 195 minutes would further add to exam pressure.
“Every student would appreciate the government’s efforts to prevent paper leaks by implementing additional security measures and enhanced monitoring. But increased scrutiny at entry, extended frisking, and a rise in exam duration from 180 minutes to 195 minutes will only add to their already mounting exam pressure,” he wrote on X.
The former BJP leader further said that while the government is attempting to prevent paper leaks, it has overlooked the additional burden placed on students, thereby diluting the purpose of the examination system and the National Education Policy’s objective of reducing “exam stress”.
“There are challenges that demand meaningful solutions. However, I am concerned that the approach devised for the NEET re-test may not resolve the issue; instead, it risks creating a new set of problems,” he added.
His remarks came after the Ministry of Education introduced stringent security protocols for the examination, including two-tier escort arrangements by the CRPF and CISF.
The ministry has also introduced airlift arrangements by the Indian Air Force, four-layer CCTV surveillance supported by artificial intelligence, biometric and facial recognition checks at entry points, multiple rounds of frisking, and direct monitoring from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The medical entrance examination held on May 3 was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities, leaving lakhs of aspirants in distress. The re-test is scheduled for June 21.
On Monday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed preparedness across states for the examination, focusing on student convenience, security arrangements, and the integrity of the examination process, according to an official statement.
