The National Testing Agency (NTA) is investigating an incident at a Surat exam centre where a Hindu girl was allegedly asked to remove her 'Tulsi Kanthi mala' (sacred necklace) before appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 exam on Sunday.
A senior NTA official termed the incident as 'wrong' and 'unacceptable', stating that it violated the agency's dress code guidelines.
A video of the incident went viral, showing the candidate's father questioning the fairness of the exam and respect for religious freedom.
However, the teacher involved in the frisking later allowed the girl's entry with her mala.
NTA had clarified in a notice dated April 30 that candidates are allowed to wear articles of faith, subject to reporting at the centre well in advance to enable frisking.
The NEET-UG 2026 exam, conducted in pen-and-paper mode on May 3, recorded a 96.92% attendance with over 22.05 lakh candidates appearing nationwide out of 22.75 lakh registered aspirants.
