NEET UG Retest Begins Today: NTA Bolsters Security Amid Paper Leak Probe
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting a retest for the NEET-UG examination on Sunday, June 23, after allegations of a paper leak led to the cancellation of the original exam held on May 3. The retest involves over 22.79 lakh candidates at more than 5,400 centres across the country.
The NTA conducted a nationwide mock drill on Saturday to assess preparedness and has implemented additional security measures. These include Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, frisking with metal detectors, and GPS-enabled vehicles with police escort for transporting exam materials. The agency has also increased personnel to reduce waiting time for biometric checks, aiming for a balance between security and convenience.
The cancellation of the original exam followed allegations of a paper leak in Rajasthan, which is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI probe has led to the arrest of three subject experts involved in the paper-setting process, prompting the NTA to strengthen protocols for question paper security and translation.
Preparations for the retest were compressed into 38 days, a sharp contrast to the usual six-month lead time. The NTA coordinated with the Air Force, paramilitary forces, and state governments under a 'whole-of-government' approach to ensure smooth conduct.
In a related move, the central government blocked access to the messaging platform Telegram across India until June 22, citing its use by 'cheating rackets' ahead of the retest. The platform's message editing feature will remain disabled until June 30.
Candidates will receive an additional 15 minutes for the retest, which is scheduled from 2 pm to 5:15 pm, compared to the original exam that ended at 5 pm.
Regarding a reported incident where a candidate from Nagpur was allotted a test centre in Abu Dhabi, the NTA clarified that the centre change was made through the candidate's own login during an open correction window. The agency said it received an informal request just 48 hours before the exam and initiated the change, contacting the candidate's father to assist with formalities.
