Prime Minister Narendra Modi waited approximately 45 minutes [1] at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday to avoid disrupting students taking a medical exam.

The gesture aimed to prevent traffic congestion that could have delayed candidates traveling to centers for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination. Given the high stakes of the national medical entrance test, any logistical delay in Delhi's dense traffic could have hindered thousands of aspirants.

Modi landed at the airport at 1:15 p.m. [2]. The NEET re-examination was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. [3]. By delaying his departure from the terminal, the prime minister ensured that the security protocols and motorcade movements associated with his travel did not clog primary arteries leading to the testing sites.

The decision to wait approximately 45 minutes [1] allowed the bulk of students to reach their destinations before the 2 p.m. [3] start time. This coordination was intended to ensure that aspirants faced no hassle during their commute.

Reports on the conclusion of the examination vary. Some sources said the exam was conducted until 5:15 p.m. [4], while other reports said it concluded at 5 p.m. [5].

The event has since become a point of political contention. The BJP has used the gesture to criticize the Congress party, comparing the prime minister's airport wait to a rally in Bengaluru that allegedly delayed students [6].

“PM Modi waited approximately 45 minutes at Indira Gandhi International Airport”

The incident highlights the significant logistical impact that high-level government movement has on urban infrastructure in India. By intentionally delaying a motorcade, the administration sought to mitigate the risk of student absenteeism or tardiness during a high-pressure national exam, while simultaneously creating a narrative of 'students first' for political leverage against opposition parties.