Centre Rolls Out Enhanced Security for NEET UG Re-test on June 21

The central government has implemented extensive security and logistics measures for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21, following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to allegations of paper leaks and malpractice. The exercise involves multiple ministries, the National Testing Agency (NTA), security agencies, cybercrime units, and transport authorities to ensure the re-test is conducted smoothly.

Key among the measures is a multi-layered security setup covering question paper preparation, printing, transportation, storage, and distribution. Officials have held repeated review meetings to assess preparedness and address vulnerabilities identified in the earlier exam.

The NTA has redesigned the transportation plan for question papers with enhanced security protocols, including the use of Indian Air Force aircraft to move sensitive examination material across the country. Additional escorts, tighter custody chains, and stricter monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to minimise tampering risks during transit. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh noted that using IAF support also helps reduce timelines, given the exam is being re-organised in about 40 days.

Security measures extend to those involved in creating the exam. Paper setters, moderators, and translators have been moved to secure locations and placed under communication restrictions to prevent unauthorised information flow before the examination.

The Home Ministry has coordinated with states and Union Territories on preparedness, reviewing arrangements at examination centres, candidate movement plans, and contingency measures. Agencies including the CRPF, CISF, railway authorities, postal networks, and aviation security officials are involved in the planning process.

Cyber vigilance has been intensified to monitor online misinformation, fake paper leak claims, and fraud networks targeting candidates. Access to Telegram has been temporarily restricted in India until June 22, and the platform's message-editing feature has been disabled for a limited period. The NTA said these measures aim to curb organised cheating networks and prevent misleading 'paper leak' claims through edited messages. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is coordinating efforts against online fraud and misinformation.

The NTA has launched a public awareness campaign urging candidates not to trust claims of leaked question papers and emphasising that no one can access the paper before the examination.

For the government, the June 21 re-test is also about restoring confidence in a system shaken by malpractice allegations. The outcome may influence broader exam reforms under discussion, including stronger standard operating procedures and a proposed transition of NEET-UG to a computer-based format from 2027.