Defence forces may guard NEET-UG retest operations
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is taking no chances in the conduct of NEET entrance rescheduled on June 21and is mulling over the use of defence as well as the paramilitary forces for transportation of question papers and also providing security. Sources said a final call in this regard will be taken after a discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is personally monitoring the preparations for the June 21 retest.
“Use of defence and paramilitary forces will act as a deterrent factor for any unscrupulous elements and they will not even think of any kind of sabotage. Government is serious as this concern future and career of lakhs of students. We need to repose the trust amongst all the stakeholders,” said a top education ministry official.
The NTA is following a protocol in preparation for the question papers similar to the Union Budget. All people involved in the preparation, till printing of the question papers, have to be confined to the confidential unit with no access to smartphones until the conduct of the entrance test.
In this regard, a meeting at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence was held, which was attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, National Testing Agency (NTA) DG Abhishek Singh, defence and education ministry officials and representatives from the Department of Posts were present. Earlier in the day, Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting along with former Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan. Dr Radhakrishnan is the Chairman of the High-Powered Steering Committee constituted to monitor implementation of recommendations on NTA.
Besides the paramilitary force units like CRPF, CISF, ITBP could be used in providing security apparatus at the examination centres as well as all NEET documents-related logistics. Extensive dialogue between the State and UT administration is open for better coordination between the State and Paramilitary units.
“There are several factors that need to be considered since the exam will be conducted in the monsoon. There might be flooded areas to which exam material is to be transported. In the case of Lakshadweep, the operation of ferries might be restricted during the monsoon. Similarly, there might be flooded areas in parts of Assam and Bihar. In such cases, air support might be necessary,” the official added.
The preparation for the re-test is going on a war footing as the exam conducting body, NTA, has only one month to go as compared to the entire process, which usually takes six months.
The exam, which was held on May 3, 2026, for over 22 lakh candidates, was cancelled on May 12 after a paper leak. On May 15, the NTA announced that the retest would be conducted on June 21. The CBI is now probing the leak, and several arrests, including the mastermind, are in the net of investigations.
