Ranchi/Dhanbad/Hazaribag: The NEET-UG re-examination was conducted peacefully across the state on Sunday under a multi-layered security arrangement, with authorities reporting a glitch-free process even in Hazaribag, a district which was in spotlight in 2024 due to an alleged paper leak from a centre.Around 36,000 aspirants appeared at nearly 90 centres spread over 8 cities, as officials enforced strict frisking, surveillance and movement restrictions to ensure fairness.In Ranchi, the exam was held at 21 centres where heavy deployment of magistrates and police, including Jharkhand Armed Police, ensured smooth conduct. SP (city) and nodal officer Paras Rana visited several centres to review security arrangements.Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said, “The examination was conducted smoothly at all centres. Out of the 10,874 candidates, 9,965 appeared in the exam. The percentage of appearance was 91.64.”Students, however, described the paper as slightly tougher than the earlier test, with physics the most challenging section. Prince Kumar of Giridih said, “Biology was moderate to easy, chemistry moderate but physics was moderate to tough,” adding that the extra 15 minutes helped in time management.Echoing similar views, Anne Priya, another examinee, said, “I cannot say whether the re-NEET will be advantageous or disadvantageous this time after the chaos last time. The papers were slightly tough.”In Dhanbad, around 8,000 students appeared for the exam across 7 centres amid tight security. Candidates reported that while biology and chemistry were manageable, physics questions were lengthy and analytically demanding. Anshika Pandey, another aspirant, said the re-exam added to mental pressure. “We had to prepare again within a limited period. However, I hope this time the exam remains completely fair and free from any discrepancies,” she said.Dhanbad DC Aditya Ranjan said, “All 7 centres in the district held the NEET-UG exam peacefully and without any untoward incident.”Hazaribag centres saw heightened monitoring. Teams led by senior police officers conducted inspections and enforced prohibitory orders within 100 metres of the centres. Around 3,000 candidates appeared at 9 centres. DC Hemant Sati said, “Re-exam of NEET-UG concluded smoothly. No paper leak or untoward incident has been reported.”(With inputs from Sanjay Sahay, Abhijit Sen & Sharad Chandra)