Sat May 17 14:24:29 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Madras High Court has instructed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to investigate a power outage at an Avadi examination center during the May 4, 2025 NEET (UG) exam. Thirteen students filed a petition stating that heavy rainfall caused a power outage and rainwater intrusion, disrupting the exam and disadvantaging them. The court ordered the NTA to hold off on declaring results until the issue is resolved and scheduled a hearing for June 2, 2025. The students are requesting a re-examination for all affected individuals at the center.

**News Article:**

**Madras High Court Orders Probe into NEET Exam Disruption**

Chennai, May 17, 2025 – The Madras High Court has intervened in the wake of complaints regarding disruptions during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) (UG) 2025. Justice V. Lakshminarayanan directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to investigate a reported power outage at a testing center located in Avadi on May 4th.

The directive comes after a writ petition was jointly filed by thirteen students who sat for the exam at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya CRPF, Avadi. The students allege that heavy rainfall led to a power outage that lasted approximately 75 minutes, from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., during the exam. According to the petition, the center lacked backup power facilities, forcing students to take the test in dim lighting, while water leaked into the exam room.

“There was a power outage at the examination centre from approximately 3 p.m. to 4:15 pm. There were no backup facilities such as generators or inverters. We were forced to write the examination under poor lighting conditions and rainwater entered the examination hall causing further disruption,” the petitioners said.

The petition further claims that the disruptions created an uncomfortable and distracting environment, hindering the ability of the 464 students assigned to the center to perform at their best. Despite the issues, no extra time was given to those affected. The students are now seeking a re-examination for all students at the Avadi center, arguing that they were unfairly disadvantaged compared to other candidates nationwide.

The court has instructed the NTA to withhold the declaration of results, scheduled for June 14, 2025, pending the outcome of the investigation. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on June 2nd. This move follows similar headlines by The Hindu, Karnataka Today, First Day First Show, Today’s Cache, Science For All, Data Point, Health Matters and The Hindu On Books.

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