The highly anticipated NEET UG 2025 exam takes place today, May 4, across 5,500 centers nationwide, with over 22.7 million candidates registered. To ensure a secure and transparent process, a three-tier security framework involving central, state, and district authorities has been implemented. District magistrates and officials will personally inspect exam centers to oversee arrangements, reflecting the high stakes of this critical medical entrance test.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has warned that candidates caught using unfair means before, during, or after the exam will face severe consequences under the Unfair Means (UFM) policy. Offenders could be barred from NTA exams for up to three years, depending on the violation’s severity, and may face criminal or legal action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Prohibited items, including mobile phones, calculators, study materials, electronic devices, food, metallic objects, or jewelry, could lead to disqualification and future bans if brought to the exam hall.

Approximately 93% of NEET UG exam centers are government schools or colleges, with meticulous preparations ensuring smooth operations. A mock drill was conducted on May 3, 2025, to verify the functionality of mobile signal jammers, biometric authentication systems, and adequate staffing for frisking. Considering the summer heat, centers have been equipped with sufficient drinking water, uninterrupted power, portable toilets, and emergency medical services, including first aid and ambulances, to prioritize candidate comfort and safety.

The pen-and-paper exam, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., requires candidates to arrive on time with their admit card, a passport-sized photo, and valid photo ID, as latecomers will be denied entry. The NTA’s stringent measures underscore its commitment to fairness. With robust security and clear guidelines, the agency aims to uphold the integrity of NEET UG 2025, a gateway for millions aspiring to medical careers.