NEET Re-Exam 2026: How Students Overcame Accidents and Health Issues to Take the Test
Over 20 lakh students took the NEET-UG re-exam amid tight security. Some students battled serious injuries and health issues to appear for the test that determines their medical career.
AC Team
The NEET-UG re-examination held on Sunday was more than just an academic test. For some students, it became a test of pure determination and resilience.
Among the over 20 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam, several faced extraordinary challenges. Their stories reveal just how much this exam means to young students and their families.
The Student Who Refused to Give Up
Srishti Dubey from Kolkata had been in a serious road accident just a week before the exam. The collision left her with nine broken ribs and major lung injuries. She underwent major vascular surgery and needed artificial ventilation to survive.
Most people in her condition would be confined to a hospital bed, focused solely on recovery. But Srishti had different plans. She was determined to take the NEET exam she had prepared for years to sit.
Her father contacted the National Testing Agency (NTA) and explained the situation. The agency responded with compassion. They arranged a separate room at the exam centre in Dhakuria, complete with medical support, a doctor, paramedics, and a standby ambulance.
Srishti walked into that exam hall with the kind of courage most of us can only imagine. She took the test, proving that sometimes willpower can be stronger than physical pain.
Special Arrangements for 81 Students
Srishti was not alone in facing health challenges. The NTA made special arrangements for around 81 candidates with various medical conditions.
Among them was a child undergoing chemotherapy. Despite the grueling treatment, the student refused to miss the exam. The education ministry statement highlighted these cases to show the exam's importance in these young lives.
These arrangements included separate rooms, medical equipment, healthcare personnel, and modified seating arrangements. The agency ensured that health issues would not become a barrier to these students' dreams.
When Minutes Made the Difference
Not all stories had happy endings. In Bhopal, one candidate met with a road accident on his way to the exam centre. He arrived with bandages, hoping to be allowed inside.
But the gates had closed at 1:30 pm, before the 2 pm exam start time. His uncle, Amir Qadri, explained the situation to authorities. The rules were clear, though. The exam had begun, and late entry was not permitted.
This incident sparked discussions about whether emergency situations should have some flexibility built into the system.
The Burqa Controversy
In Ajmer, Rajasthan, a candidate who arrived wearing a burqa initially faced entry issues. She explained that she had worn the same attire during the May 3 exam without any problems.
The situation created some tension. However, both the NTA and police later clarified that she was eventually allowed to enter and take the exam. The incident highlighted the need for clear, consistent guidelines about dress codes at exam centres.
Security Measures at Maximum Level
The re-exam came after the original May 3 test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. The controversy had triggered massive protests and raised serious questions about exam integrity.
This time, authorities left nothing to chance. The numbers tell the story of the security arrangements:
- Nearly 1.39 lakh CCTV cameras installed
- More than 95,000 exam halls set up
- 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 abroad
- 21,311 signal jammers deployed
- At least two invigilators per hall
- More than 40 security personnel at each centre
The government even used air force aircraft to transport question papers, with central forces providing security throughout.
A Prime Minister's Thoughtful Gesture
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed consideration for NEET candidates. His flight landed at Delhi airport around 1:15 pm, right when students were heading to exam centres.
Instead of leaving immediately for his residence, he chose to wait at the airport. This decision prevented traffic restrictions for his convoy from causing delays for exam-bound students. Small gestures like these often go unnoticed but can make a real difference.
The Human Cost of Exam Stress
The stakes for NEET are incredibly high. The exam determines admission to undergraduate medical, dental, veterinary, and nursing courses across India. For many students, it represents years of preparation and their entire future career.
The pressure shows in troubling statistics. Around a dozen student suicides were reported after the May 3 exam cancellation. An India Today analysis found at least 93 NEET-related student suicides across India over the past five years. The number peaked in 2025, with at least 32 suicides reported.
These numbers are not just statistics. Each one represents a young life lost, a family shattered, and dreams that will never be realized.
What These Stories Teach Us
The NEET re-exam showed us something important about young students today. When faced with physical injuries, health crises, and enormous pressure, many chose to push forward rather than give up.
Srishti Dubey could have easily taken a year off to recover. The student undergoing chemotherapy had every reason to postpone the exam. But they showed up. They took the test. They refused to let circumstances define their future.
Their determination deserves recognition. But it also raises questions. Should any exam system push students to such extremes? Should a road accident victim feel compelled to leave her hospital bed to take a test?
These stories reveal both the strength of young people and the intense pressure they face. As a society, we need to celebrate their resilience while also working to create systems that do not demand such extraordinary sacrifices.
The NEET re-exam is over. Results will come soon. But the stories of students who overcame incredible odds to appear for this test will stay with us much longer. They remind us what education means to young Indians and the lengths they will go to secure their future.
