NEET UG 2025: Biometric Failures, Power Cuts and More, Know What Went Wrong This Year – The Times of India

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate (UG) 2025 examination, which serves as a gateway for aspiring medical students across India, has been at the center of various controversies this year. As millions of candidates prepared for the exam, several issues emerged that sparked debates, concerns, and calls for reforms. From significant changes in the exam pattern, such as the removal of optional questions, to technical glitches like biometric verification failures, the examination faced a series of hurdles that affected both students and educators. With these controversies continuing to unfold, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has come under scrutiny yet again for its handling of the examination process.

Biometric Verification Failures

Numerous candidates have reported issues with biometric verification during the examination process. Complaints from Government Senior Secondary Girls College in North Delhi’s Jahangirpuri centre surfaced on the day of NEET UG 2025 exam. These complaints include fingerprint mismatches and system errors, leading to delays and confusion at exam centers. These technical failures have raised concerns about the reliability of the biometric system implemented by the NTA.

Removal of Sacred Thread

A major controversy erupted in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, when candidates from the Brahmin community accused exam authorities of religious discrimination after they were asked to remove their janaeu (sacred thread) before entering the examination hall. This sparked a sit-in protest outside the exam center, as parents and community members expressed their frustration.

Power Cuts at Exam Centres in Madhya Pradesh

At several exam centers in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, candidates had to take the important exam in candlelight and with emergency lamps due to unexpected power outages caused by heavy rainfall. At Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, over 600 students wrote their exams in dim lighting. While emergency lights were provided in some areas, they only lasted for about 10 minutes due to low battery, which led to protests outside the center once the exam was over.

Discontinuation of Optional Questions

Earlier this year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) reverted to the pre-COVID exam format, removing the optional Section B. This change means that all 180 questions—45 each in Physics and Chemistry, and 90 in Biology—are now mandatory, with no extra time allocated. The decision has faced criticism from students and educators alike, who argue that the previous format allowed for a more flexible approach to the examination.

NEET UG 2025: NTA’s attempt for a smooth conduct

This year, the NTA took extensive measures to uphold the integrity of the NEET UG exam. Mock drills were conducted at every center a day before the exam to test security protocols, including the operation of mobile jammers, biometric systems, and frisking stations. Question papers were delivered under police escort, and suspicious coaching centers were closely monitored.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has taken strict action against over 250 medical aspirants following allegations of a paper leak and cheating in the NEET UG 2024 exam. This includes canceling the admissions of 14 students who had joined medical colleges for the 2024-25 session and suspending 26 MBBS students who were found helping others cheat. In addition, 42 students have been banned from appearing in the NEET UG exam for three years, and nine students have been banned for two years.