'Exam doesn't matter, my burqa & identity do': NEET aspirant stopped at Ajmer exam centre

AJMER: A burqa-wearing candidate at a NEET-UG re-examination centre in Ajmer, Rajasthan, on Sunday alleged that she was stopped from entering the examination venue unless she removed her burqa and dupatta. The candidate, identified as Kulsum Bano, said she had travelled from Beawar to appear for the medical entrance test and claimed she was wearing the same attire she had worn during her previous attempt. "I have come from Beawar to take the NEET exam. When I took the exam on May 3rd, I was in the same attire then as I am now: wearing a burqa and a dupatta," she said. Bano alleged that initially she was asked to remove her dupatta before entering the centre, but later officials insisted that she remove the burqa as well. "Initially, they said I would have to remove the dupatta to enter; then they insisted I had to remove the burqa as well. If the NTA has permitted us, these people cannot stop us," she said. She added that she would not appear for the exam if she was not allowed to enter in her attire. "If I am to take the exam and they don't allow me in this attire, then I simply won't take it. It is shameful that they are messing with 18-year-olds like this. The exam doesn't matter to me; what matters is my 'burqa' and my identity," Bano said. The NEET-UG re-examination began on Sunday at 2pm amid tight security at examination centres across the country. More than 22.79 lakh candidates were eligible to appear for the examination, which was conducted at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. Entry at examination centres followed strict security procedures, including frisking and metal detectors. The National Testing Agency (NTA) implemented extensive security and surveillance measures, with CCTV cameras monitoring exam rooms. Jammers provided by ECIL and BEL were also deployed. The NTA said each examination room had two invigilators, while over 10 functionaries were stationed at every centre. Nearly 38,795 frisking staff and 48,448 biometric staff were deployed for face authentication, along with around 6,700 observers, more than 100 virtual observers and an average of 40-50 security personnel per centre. Police, paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force and the department of posts were involved in securing the movement of confidential material and examination logistics. The agency also arranged facilities for candidates, including drinking water, ORS, ambulances, shade and seating areas for waiting parents. Examination rooms were equipped with wall clocks and extra rough sheets, including versions for left-handed candidates. The re-examination was conducted after allegations of paper leaks in the NEET-UG exam. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the case and has made several arrests.