A Re-NEET candidate, Hrishika Pal, has alleged that she faced an intrusive frisking experience at an examination centre in West Bengal, claiming she was questioned about menstruation during security checks at Malda Bibhutibhusan High School.
In a social media post that went viral after she shared her account, she said she was asked whether she was on her period during the frisking process. After responding that she was, she alleged that a female staff member instructed her to lower her pants so that her sanitary pad could be inspected. She said she complied reluctantly, fearing that refusal could prevent her from entering the exam hall.
The post gained further attention after it was amplified by a doctor-educator online and later shared directly by the candidate, triggering widespread discussion and criticism on social media.
Following her post, several other users began sharing similar experiences from NEET, Re-NEET, CUET, SSC and other competitive examinations. Some claimed they were asked intrusive personal questions or subjected to searches they found uncomfortable, while others said their frisking experience was routine and respectful, highlighting inconsistencies across exam centres.
Many commenters described feeling humiliated or distressed during security checks, particularly in cases involving body searches or removal of clothing items. Some also alleged excessive or inappropriate frisking practices by staff, including invasive pat-downs. Others, however, said they had not encountered any such issues even while appearing for the same exams.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on social media about the balance between exam security and personal dignity, especially in high-stakes national examinations like NEET. While strict frisking protocols are intended to prevent malpractice, the varying accounts have raised questions about how consistently these guidelines are being implemented across centres.
The discussion has now extended beyond one candidate’s experience, turning into a broader conversation about standardisation of frisking procedures, oversight at exam centres, and how to ensure security measures do not cross into practices perceived as invasive or humiliating.
