Nagpur Student Assigned Abu Dhabi Centre for NEET Retest — NTA Blames 'Glitch'

June 23, 2026 — Vikram Patel 4 min read

A student from Nagpur has been assigned an examination centre in Abu Dhabi for the upcoming NEET retest, according to correspondence shared by the family on Saturday. The National Testing Agency, which administers the medical entrance examination, attributed the unusual centre allocation to a technical error and assured parents that the issue would be resolved.

The NTA confirmed that students experiencing incorrect centre assignments could request corrections through its official portal. Officials noted that the error appeared to affect a limited number of candidates nationwide, though an exact figure was not immediately available.

Family Raises Alarm Over Centre Allocation

The student's family received confirmation of the Abu Dhabi centre allocation when they accessed the NTA's online portal to download admit cards for the retest. Parents told local media that the assignment came as a shock, given that the examination is conducted across hundreds of cities within India.

"My child has been preparing for NEET for two years," one parent told reporters in Nagpur. "Being sent to Abu Dhabi is neither practical nor affordable for our family." The family subsequently filed a grievance with the NTA, requesting that the centre be changed to a location within Maharashtra or a neighbouring state.

NTA Acknowledges Technical Error

The National Testing Agency released a statement acknowledging that some candidates had received incorrect examination centres due to what it described as a "glitch" in its allocation system. The NTA stated that candidates affected by such errors could submit a correction request through its official website before a specified deadline.

The agency did not elaborate on the specific nature of the technical fault or how many students had been impacted. NTA officials told reporters that the correction window would remain open for a limited period, after which no changes would be permitted.

Background: The NEET Retest Controversy

The NEET-UG 2024 examination has faced mounting scrutiny following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities at multiple centres across the country. The Union Education Ministry ordered a retest after the Central Bureau of Investigation flagged systematic cheating at several examination centres in states including Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

More than 2,000 candidates were identified as having appeared for the original examination at affected centres. These students have been summoned to appear for the fresh test scheduled for later this month.

Centre Allocation Process Explained

The NTA typically allocates examination centres based on the city and state information provided by candidates during registration. Students select their preferred examination zone, and the agency assigns a venue within or near that region. The system is designed to minimise travel burdens while ensuring logistical feasibility.

Technical failures in such allocation systems are uncommon but not unprecedented. Last year, a similar issue affected candidates applying for JEE-Main examinations, where some students were assigned centres in states distant from their registered addresses. The NTA resolved those cases by opening a correction window and manually reviewing affected applications.

Impact on Students and Families

For students from smaller cities like Nagpur, centre assignments outside India create significant logistical and financial challenges. Travel costs to Abu Dhabi include international airfare, visa fees, and accommodation — expenses that many families from middle-income backgrounds cannot easily absorb.

Education consultants in Nagpur reported a surge in enquiries from worried parents following the incident. "We have received at least 15 calls since morning from families concerned about centre allocations," said a consultant at a coaching centre in Dharampeth. "Most of them have been assigned centres within India, but this Abu Dhabi case has everyone worried."

What Affected Candidates Should Do

The NTA has advised candidates with incorrect centre allocations to immediately log into the official NEET portal and submit a correction request. Students must provide their application number, correct personal details, and the preferred centre city.

Authorities recommend submitting correction requests at least 48 hours before the deadline to account for technical delays. Candidates who do not receive a revised centre allocation within the specified timeframe should contact the NTA helpline or visit the nearest regional office for assistance.

Watch for the NTA's next announcement regarding centre correction deadlines and confirm your revised allotment before making any travel arrangements. Families in similar situations should document all correspondence with the agency for reference during the examination period.