NTA Under Fire After NEET Candidate from Nagpur is Allotted Exam Centre in Abu Dhabi

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has come under fresh scrutiny ahead of the NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21 after a student from Nagpur was mistakenly allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The student, Abdullah Mohammed, had selected Nagpur, Wardha, and Bhandara as his preferred examination centres while filling out his application. However, when his admit card was issued, he discovered that his assigned test centre was located in Abu Dhabi.

The incident has raised concerns over NTA's examination management at a time when the agency is already facing criticism over previous controversies related to NEET.

With only a day left before the examination, the student and his family were left distressed by the unexpected allocation. Abdullah stated that he does not even possess a passport, making it impossible for him to travel abroad and appear for the test.

Foreign examination centres are generally designated for NRI and international candidates. The allocation of an overseas centre to a student from Nagpur has therefore triggered questions about the agency's processes and quality control measures.

Former Maharashtra minister and Congress leader Dr. Anis Ahmed criticized the lapse, calling it a serious error and demanding that the NTA immediately issue a revised admit card. He said the mistake had caused unnecessary anxiety for the student and his family.

Following complaints lodged through the NTA helpline, officials reportedly acknowledged the issue as a technical error and assured the student that a corrected admit card would be issued. According to Dr. Ahmed, NTA officials informed the family that a Nagpur-based examination centre would be allotted and a fresh admit card released before the examination.

The matter also drew political attention, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizing the agency on social media. He urged authorities to stop “gambling with the future of students” and called for a more responsible, transparent, and accountable examination system.

The episode has once again placed the spotlight on NTA's handling of high-stakes examinations, with students and parents seeking greater accuracy and accountability in the conduct of national-level entrance tests.

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