NEET aspirant from Nagpur allotted exam centre in Abu Dhabi, NTA says issue being resolved

A National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) undergraduate aspirant from Nagpur was allocated an examination centre in Abu Dhabi for the re-test scheduled on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The candidate’s family reported that the admit card downloaded on Friday showed the centre in Abu Dhabi, despite the student having no passport and the family lacking funds for international travel.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, stated that the grievance is being addressed. A spokesperson said the candidate will be allocated a centre in Nagpur after due verification within the next few hours.

The incident drew criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who posted on social media platform X. He described the situation as stressful for the student, who he said wept all night and refused to take the exam. Gandhi called on the government to “stop gambling with our children’s future” and demanded a “sensitive, responsible, and accountable education and examination system.”

Gandhi is Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He has been vocal about issues in the education system, including paper leaks and high fees. On Thursday, he launched a signature campaign to amplify student demands directly to the government.

The NEET-UG 2026 exam, originally held on May 3, was cancelled due to allegations of a paper leak. The government has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.

The NTA has not commented on the specific reasons for the centre mix-up. Authorities have urged candidates to check their admit cards carefully and report any discrepancies immediately.