New Delhi: The National Testing Agency has made strong arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of NEET re-examination on June 21. Various measures like pre-exam screening have been taken by the authorities to ensure security.NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam will be conducted on June 21 from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm, with additional 15 minutes allotted for pre-exam formalities and instructions.One of the main measures is to ban the Telegram app until the exams are conducted, with the government claiming that the app has been used to leak papers and thus, the ban will remain in place to ensure privacy and fairness.Additionally, in one of the most visible security measures, the government also included Indian air force (IAF) will transport NEET-UG question papers. Since June 13, IAF transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters have flown around 200 sorties to airlift sealed question paper packets to 18 designated delivery areas across the country, from where they are being taken to the examination centers under tight security. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring foolproof and timely delivery ahead of the June 21 re-examination.
NTA’s statement
The NTA itself gave various assurances during the day. “On the eve of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a fair, secure and candidate-friendly examination,” it said.It said, “The examination will be conducted in over 95,000 examination halls, each of which is equipped with CCTV. A total of 13,560 CCTV cameras have been installed, the feeds of which are monitored at the national, state and ministry levels. To secure the examination against electronic malpractices, 51,311 jammers have been deployed (17,054 by ECIL and 17,054 by BEL) 34,257).”Elaborating further on the security measures, it said, “Extensive personnel have been deployed for exam day duty. Each of the more than 95,000 exam rooms will have two invigilators, and more than ten additional exam officials are deployed at each centre.” Verification of candidates has been strengthened with 38,795 frisking staff and 48,448 personnel for biometric verification, doubling the biometric manpower and supported by facial authentication so that verification is thorough while queues at the centers are kept to a minimum.“The NTA said a Center System Officer has been deployed at each of the 5,440 centers to monitor CCTV feeds and resolve technical issues. Around 6,700 observers and over 100 virtual observers will monitor the exam, with AI-based tools analyzing live CCTV footage to flag anomalies. Authorities have also deployed police, paramilitary personnel and other agencies, while a nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20 to test all security systems, including CCTV cameras, jammers, frisking procedures and biometric verification.Additionally, a nationwide mock drill was conducted across the country on Saturday on the eve of the re-examination as part of efforts to ensure smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the medical entrance examination, officials said.Earlier on Friday, NTA said that a comprehensive security framework has been implemented to ensure the integrity of the examination process. The confidential examination material was transported under strict security protocols through GPS-enabled vehicles with police escort. CCTV surveillance, Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and real-time monitoring systems have also been deployed at the examination centres.
Major Security Measures
Here are some of the key safety measures takenIAF conducts around 200 sortiesOne of the most important measures introduced ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination is the deployment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the transportation of question papers. According to officials, Indian Air Force transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters have flown around 200 sorties over the past several days to deliver sealed question paper packets to 18 designated distribution centers across the country.This operation was launched to ensure safe and timely delivery of examination material following the controversy over alleged paper leak in the original examination. From these centres, the question papers are being transported to the examination centers under police escort and strict security protocols. Officials said the use of military aircraft was intended to guarantee a “foolproof” delivery system and minimize the risk of any disruption to the movement of classified material.AI tool to monitor live CCTV feedsThe technology has emerged as a central pillar of the security architecture established for testing. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has installed more than 13,500 CCTV cameras at the examination centres, the feeds of which are monitored at the national, state and ministry levels. Around 6,700 invigilators and over 100 virtual invigilators have also been deployed to monitor the examination process.For the first time, AI-powered tools will analyze live CCTV footage in real-time to identify suspicious activity and flag anomalies. Officials believe the extra layer of surveillance will help detect unusual patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Candidate verification has also been strengthened through biometric authentication, fingerprint scanning and facial recognition checks. For example, in Tamil Nadu, candidates will have to undergo stringent biometric verification before entering the examination hall.Police deployment increased in all statesAlong with technical security measures, the authorities have launched a massive security campaign. Police forces, intelligence agencies, cyber units, district administration and at some places paramilitary personnel have been deployed to secure the examination centres, question paper storage facilities and transport routes.In Uttar PradeshWhile a large number of candidates are expected to appear for the exam, the authorities have made three-tier security arrangements. The examination will be conducted at 75 centers in Lucknow alone. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Bablu Kumar said, “Police have been deployed in three tiers. The first team will be responsible for safely transporting the question papers to the centers and bringing back the answer sheets.” The second team has been deployed to check and search the candidates and teachers using HHMD. The third level will manage law and order and security in the outer campus.”Similar arrangements have been made in other states also. Ahmedabad Police has activated all six zonal DCPs and 15 police stations, while Rajasthan has deployed police personnel, Special Operations Group (SOG) teams and intelligence agencies to monitor the centers and strong rooms round the clock. Central paramilitary forces have been deployed to strengthen security in Haveri district of Karnataka.Surveillance with jammers, drones to curb malpracticesAuthorities have also introduced comprehensive anti-cheating measures aimed at preventing electronic malpractice and organized attempts to compromise exams. More than 51,000 jammers have been deployed nationally to block unauthorized electronic communications during testing.In Ahmedabad, police will deploy drone surveillance and quick response teams around the exam centres. DCP Reema Munshi said, “The crime branch is deploying a quick response team (QRT) and conducting drone surveillance. The cyber crime branch will monitor social media to prevent any negative content from creating panic.”Many states have complemented these efforts with local surveillance systems. Jharkhand has equipped all 67 examination centers with CCTV cameras and mobile signal jammers, while Rajasthan has activated technical surveillance systems and social media monitoring to identify attempts at malpractice. Kota officials have also directed coaching institutes to report suspicious activity related to paper leak or cyber fraud.Response teams around the exam centres, while the cyber crime branch will monitor social media platforms for rumours, fake paper leak claims and content that may create panic among the candidates. Jharkhand has equipped all 67 examination centers with CCTV cameras and mobile signal jammers, while Rajasthan has activated technical surveillance systems and social media monitoring to identify attempts at malpractice. Kota officials have also directed coaching institutes to report suspicious activity related to paper leak or cyber fraud.security tightenedAuthorities in many states have set up security perimeters around exam venues and strengthened surveillance of surrounding areas. These measures are aimed at preventing unauthorized access, crowding and any activity that may interfere with the conduct of the examination.In Ranchi, prohibitory orders will be imposed within 200 meters of examination centers under Section 163 of the BNSS, with public gatherings and other activities banned during the examination period. Similar restrictions have also been imposed in Dehradun, where police escort will accompany question paper transportation and inspector-rank officers will monitor the exam centres.Highlighting the scale of preparations in the state, Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Ranjan said, “All preparations have been made to conduct free and fair exams. Appropriate security arrangements have been ensured, such as deployment of CCTV cameras and mobile signal jammers.”Candidate welfare measures amid tight securityWhile safety remains the primary focus, officials have also announced several measures aimed at ensuring a seamless experience for candidates and their families, especially considering the summer heat.In Delhi, the government has set up cooling zones equipped with seating, drinking water, ORS, shikanji and first aid facilities at the examination centres. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is working to provide a comfortable and stress-free environment for students appearing for the re-examination amid the current summer conditions. Candidates will also be allowed free travel in DTC buses on showing their admit cards.Elsewhere, authorities have focused on medical preparedness and infrastructure. In Karnataka’s Davangere district, doctors will be deployed at the examination centres, while officials have ensured adequate lighting, toilet facilities and dedicated security rooms. Administrations in several states have also reviewed contingency plans for power, emergency response and crowd management to minimize disruptions on the exam day.
