Three students who arrived late for the NEET re-examination in Bengaluru on June 21, 2026, were denied entry after being stuck in traffic caused by a Congress party rally. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and parents.
Students Stuck in Traffic Near Exam Center
The re-exam was held at a center in the Jalahalli area of Bengaluru. According to reports, the students were caught in a massive traffic jam that was triggered by a Congress rally in the vicinity. Despite reaching the center just minutes after the scheduled start time, the invigilators refused to allow them inside, citing strict examination protocols.
In the viral video, the students can be seen pleading with the security personnel and exam officials, but to no avail. One of the affected students, identified as Ravi Kumar, said, "We left home early but the traffic was unbearable due to the rally. We reached only 10 minutes late, but they did not let us in."
Congress Rally Blamed for Disruption
The Congress party had organized a large rally in the area to protest against the state government's policies. The rally led to road closures and diversions, causing severe congestion on key routes. Local residents and commuters also faced difficulties, but the impact on exam-going students has become a major talking point.
Karnataka's Education Minister, responding to the incident, said, "We have taken note of the matter. The examination authorities followed the rules, but we will see if any relaxation can be provided for such genuine cases." However, no immediate relief has been announced.
Opposition Demands Action
Opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), have condemned the Congress for organizing the rally without considering the NEET exam schedule. BJP spokesperson G. Devaraj said, "This is a clear case of political irresponsibility. The Congress should apologize to the students and their families."
Meanwhile, the Congress defended the rally, stating that it was a pre-scheduled protest and that the traffic management was the responsibility of the city police. A Congress leader said, "We sympathize with the students, but the police should have ensured smooth traffic flow."
Broader Implications for Exam Conduct
The incident has reignited the debate over the conduct of high-stakes exams in India. With millions of students appearing for such tests, any disruption can have serious consequences. The NEET re-exam was conducted for a small number of candidates who faced issues during the main exam, but the Bengaluru incident highlights the need for better coordination between exam authorities and local administration.
According to data from the Karnataka Examination Authority, over 1,500 students were scheduled to take the re-exam across multiple centers in Bengaluru. The three affected students represent a fraction, but their ordeal has captured national attention.
Calls for Re-exam or Compensation
Parents of the affected students have demanded either a special re-exam or compensation for the loss of opportunity. One parent said, "My daughter prepared for months. She should not suffer because of a political rally."
As of now, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has not issued a statement on the matter. The Karnataka government has promised to look into the issue and take appropriate action.
