Prime Minister Narendra Modi delayed his departure from Delhi airport on Sunday afternoon to ensure that students appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination did not face traffic congestion while travelling to their examination centres.
According to reports, the Prime Minister landed in Delhi at around 1.15 pm after concluding his two-day visit to Odisha and West Bengal. Instead of immediately leaving for his official residence, he chose to remain at the airport as the nationwide medical entrance examination was scheduled to begin at 2 pm.
The decision was aimed at preventing disruptions to vehicular movement and easing the commute for lakhs of aspirants heading to examination centres across the national capital.
PM returns from Odisha and West Bengal tour
According to the Hindustan Times, the Prime Minister was returning from a packed itinerary that included multiple events in Odisha and West Bengal. He also participated in an International Yoga Day programme in Kolkata earlier in the day before flying back to Delhi.
His arrival coincided with one of the most crucial examination days for medical aspirants across the country, prompting authorities to adopt additional measures to ensure smooth traffic management.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar praised the Prime Minister's gesture and said it reflected a governance style that prioritises citizens.
"For some, power means privilege. For PM Narendra Modi, it means responsibility. Choosing to wait at the airport so NEET aspirants could travel smoothly to their examination centres reflects a leadership style that puts citizens first," he said.
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Over 22 lakh students appear for NEET re-test
According to the Hindustan Times, more than 22 lakh candidates are appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination being conducted by the National Testing Agency.
The re-test became necessary after the original examination, held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak that triggered nationwide protests, legal battles and political backlash.
The examination is being held between 2 pm and 5.15 pm across 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 centres overseas.
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Massive security arrangements deployed
According to the Hindustan Times, the NTA has implemented one of its biggest security operations to restore confidence in the examination process.
Authorities have deployed CCTV surveillance, signal jammers, biometric verification systems and additional invigilators at every examination centre.
The question papers were also transported with enhanced security measures, including the use of Indian Air Force aircraft in several locations.
Officials said the focus remains on ensuring that every candidate can appear for the examination in a secure, transparent and stress-free environment after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the medical entrance test.
