New Delhi, May 4 -- Over 20.8 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET UG 2025 examination held across 548 cities in India and 14 international centres, said sources at the Ministry of Education on Sunday.

The sources added that the nationwide test was conducted smoothly without any major issues or reports of malpractice.

"20.8 lakh candidates appeared in the exam. There is no doubt -- it happened smoothly," the source said, adding that only minor issues like late arrivals and some confusion over dress codes were reported. "No violations or use of unfair means have been reported so far," the source confirmed.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for organising the medical entrance exam, adopted a coordinated "whole-of-government...