On May 4, 2023, over 4,000 candidates took the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in Puducherry, India. The exam commenced at 2 PM across the country, with the highest number of candidates, 960, appearing at a local university. Other centers included the University of Technology and various Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, accommodating hundreds of candidates each. Strict protocols were enforced, including a dress code of light-colored, half-sleeve clothing and prohibitions on electronic devices like cell phones and smartwatches. Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan visited the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters to ensure all preparations were in place for this significant examination, which serves as a gateway for admission to medical programs across India. The NEET UG 2026 examination is expected to see participation from nearly 23 lakh registered candidates nationwide, highlighting its importance in the Indian education landscape.