New Delhi, June 21 -- As lakhs of aspirants appeared for NEET (UG) 2026 on Sunday, examination centres across Delhi reflected not only intensified security arrangements but also the emotional weight carried by students and their families.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had announced enhanced examination measures, including CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, AI-based monitoring, jammers, frisking and expanded staffing to ensure a secure and transparent process.
Outside examination centres, parents waited in designated cooling zones, offering reassurance amid weeks of anxiety and discussions surrounding alleged paper leak rumours.
One parent said the family had consciously encouraged their child to stay focused on preparation rather than speculation. "We told our child to give their best. Admission outcomes are not everything and we are not putting pressure on them," the parent said.
Another parent from Faridabad described the emotional strain in the days leading up to the examination. "My daughter was stressed and anxious, but we tried to keep her attention on studies instead of outside discussions," she said.
Candidates, however, reported mixed experiences. Leeza, appearing for NEET for the first time at a centre in Jahangirpuri, said Biology and Chemistry felt moderate while Physics appeared lengthy and difficult. She also observed a visibly stronger security presence compared to previous years. Her mother, however, raised concerns regarding limited space in cooling zones for accompanying families.
Another candidate, Tanya, appreciated the management and said entry procedures appeared more organised and respectful. She recalled seeing volunteers distributing water and refreshments near centres and noted that repeat aspirants may experience greater emotional pressure than first-time candidates.
At one centre in Janakpuri, candidate Sauda questioned the practicality of some examination restrictions, stating that students travelling independently often had limited options for storing personal belongings. She cited an instance where a candidate was allegedly denied entry due to carrying a scooter key and expressed concern about the consequences of missing the examination. As students walked out, reactions ranged from relief to tears. Several described the paper as comparable in difficulty to previous years, with concerns centring largely around Physics.
For many, the day was not just about attempting an examination it was about carrying expectations, managing uncertainty and holding on to hope.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.