Former BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai questioned the extensive security measures for the NEET UG 2026 retest, saying that while preventing paper leaks is necessary, AI surveillance, biometric checks, multiple frisking rounds, and longer exam duration may increase student stress and anxiety.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai has raised concerns over the stringent security arrangements planned for the NEET UG retest scheduled on June 21, 2026, saying that while preventing paper leaks is important, the measures could place additional pressure on students.

In a post on X, Annamalai highlighted the elaborate security framework announced for the examination. According to him, the retest will be conducted under a two-tier escort system involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), with transportation support from the Indian Air Force (IAF). The examination process will also include four-layer CCTV surveillance with artificial intelligence monitoring, biometric and facial recognition checks before entry, multiple rounds of frisking, and direct oversight from the Prime Minister's Office.

Drawing attention to the scale of the arrangements, Annamalai remarked that such measures are typically associated with highly sensitive operations rather than a national entrance examination.

While acknowledging that students would welcome efforts to prevent paper leaks and ensure a fair examination process, he argued that the heightened security procedures may unintentionally increase anxiety among candidates. He noted that longer verification procedures at examination centres, repeated frisking, and the extension of the overall examination duration from 180 minutes to 195 minutes could add to the stress already faced by aspirants.