NTA mobilises massive security for NEET-UG re-examination
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday said it is fully prepared for the NEET re-examination with country-wide district administrations, police forces and escort teams tasked with securely transporting confidential materials. Over two lakh personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilised to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the re-examination. In a first, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is being engaged to transport the question papers as part of enhanced security measures.
A nationwide mock drill was conducted across the country ahead on Saturday as part of the efforts to ensure smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the medical entrance test. Security has also been tightened at the NTA office in the national Capital. More than 22.79 lakh medical aspirants will appear for the re-examination on Sunday, nearly seven weeks after the original test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage, political sparring and legal challenges.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has chaired a series of high-level review meetings with senior officials to assess preparedness and oversee arrangements for the re-examination. Several States have also announced support measures for candidates, including free transportation facilities through State-run bus services to reduce travel-related stress and ensure timely access to examination centres.
The re-examination will be held from 2 to 5.15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to write the examination till 6.20 pm.
Candidates have been asked to report to their examination centres between 11 am and 1.30 pm. “Entry gates will close sharp at 1.30 pm, and no candidate will be permitted entry thereafter under any circumstance,” the agency said.
According to the NTA, the re-exam involves close coordination among multiple agencies and levels of administration, with 674 city coordinators overseeing city-level operations and 6,669 observers deployed for independent oversight at examination centres. Centre superintendents and invigilators have been appointed at every examination centre.
The NTA has launched a verified WhatsApp communication channel to provide authentic updates directly to candidates and has cautioned students against trusting social media rumours about “leaked” question papers, answer keys or paid services.
The National Medical Commission has directed all medical colleges and institutions under its purview not to grant leave to students on June 20 and 21, except in exceptional circumstances. The move comes in the backdrop of some instances when students of medical colleges were found to be involved in activities that could compromise the sanctity and integrity of the examination process.
“To ensure a fair and transparent examination, the NTA has put in place a multi-layered security framework, including end-to-end secure handling of confidential materials under sealed protocols, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts for movement of examination materials, CCTV surveillance at all examination centres linked to centralised control rooms, and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation,” the NTA said.
