Delhi: The much-awaited National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) begins tomorrow, May 4, with over 22.7 lakh candidates registered to appear at 5,453 centres across more than 500 cities nationwide.

Ahead of the exam, mock drills were conducted at all NEET-UG centres to ensure readiness. These drills tested essential aspects such as the functioning of mobile signal jammers, availability of manpower for frisking, and biometric authentication procedures. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is ensuring a smooth and secure examination process, with a three-tier monitoring system in place—at the district, state, and central levels.

The exam will take place in government schools, colleges, and universities, and strict security measures are being implemented to prevent cheating. Candidates are warned that any use of unfair means will result in severe penalties under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

This year, extra precautions are being taken in response to last year's alleged irregularities, including paper leaks. The NTA has cracked down on misinformation spread by 106 Telegram and 16 Instagram channels, with investigations underway by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

As the exam kicks off tomorrow, all eyes will be on the smooth conduct of the test, with the NTA and Ministry of Education taking stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.