NEET-UG 2026 retest on June 21 with 6,700 observers, 138,560 CCTV cameras
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced detailed arrangements for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026. Over 22 lakh candidates will appear at 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad.
The NTA cancelled the original test held on May 3 after allegations of a paper leak. In an official release on Saturday, the agency stated it has put in place comprehensive measures to ensure a fair, secure and candidate-friendly examination.
The test will be conducted across more than 95,000 examination rooms, each equipped with CCTV. A total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras have been installed, with feeds monitored at the national, State and Ministry levels. To prevent electronic malpractice, 51,311 jammers have been deployed — 17,054 by ECIL and 34,257 by BEL.
A nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20 to verify all systems, including jammers, CCTV and frisking arrangements.
Personnel deployment includes two invigilators per room, with additional staff at each centre. Candidate verification has been strengthened with 38,795 frisking staff and 48,448 personnel for biometric verification. A centre systems officer has been deployed at each of the 5,440 centres to monitor CCTV feeds and resolve technical issues on the spot.
The NTA has deployed around 6,700 observers at examination centres, supported by more than 100 virtual observers monitoring live CCTV footage centrally. AI-based tools will analyse CCTV footage to flag anomalies, providing a multi-layered monitoring system.
State and district administrations have been mobilised extensively. Paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force, police and postal departments are involved. On average, 40 to 50 security personnel will be deployed at each centre. Bank officials are stationed at approximately 1,500 bank branches holding confidential exam material, and the Department of Posts will coordinate collection of OMR sheets from around 700 collection centres.
In coordination with state governments, students will be provided drinking water and ORS at centres. Shaded waiting areas have been arranged for accompanying parents. Ambulances are deployed. Additional measures include a wall clock in every room, extra rough-work pages (with pages at the beginning for left-handed candidates), and an extended examination window to offset time taken for entry formalities.
The examination is being conducted in English and 12 Indian languages.
The NTA is closely monitoring social media and taking action against rumour-mongering and fraudulent paper leak claims. Candidates and parents are advised to rely solely on official communication from the NTA.
The NTA appealed to all stakeholders to support candidates and help reduce examination-day stress, so that candidates can appear in a calm, secure, and supportive environment.
