NEETUG2026 – Nationwide Security Rehearsal Conducted Before Medical Entrance Re-Test
NEETUG2026 – Authorities across the country carried out an extensive preparedness exercise on Saturday ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, with officials focusing on security, logistics and coordination to ensure the test is conducted without disruption. The medical entrance examination is scheduled for June 21 and will take place under enhanced monitoring arrangements.
Large-Scale Preparations Completed Ahead of Examination
The re-test comes nearly seven weeks after the original examination was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak. The controversy led to legal proceedings, public demonstrations and criticism from various quarters, prompting authorities to redesign the examination process with stricter safeguards.
According to officials, the examination will be conducted from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm in offline mode across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to participate. Candidates eligible for compensatory time under the PwD and PwBD categories will be permitted to continue writing until 6:20 pm.
Strict Entry Timings Announced for Candidates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has instructed students to arrive at their assigned centres between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Entry gates will close at 1:30 pm, and no candidate will be allowed to enter after the deadline.
Officials have urged students to verify their examination centre details well in advance and make travel arrangements accordingly to avoid last-minute difficulties.
Multi-Layered Security Measures Put in Place
To strengthen the integrity of the examination process, the NTA has introduced a comprehensive security network involving district administrations, police departments and specially designated escort teams responsible for the safe transportation of confidential examination material.
A total of 674 city coordinators have been assigned to supervise operations across examination locations. Additionally, 6,669 observers will monitor activities at centres, while centre superintendents and invigilators have been deployed to oversee examination procedures.
Authorities said that more than two lakh personnel, including police officers and administrative staff, have been mobilised nationwide to support the conduct of the examination.
Air Force Assistance Included in Security Plan
In a significant step aimed at preventing any security lapse, question papers are being transported with support from the Indian Air Force for the first time. Officials described the move as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the secure movement of sensitive examination documents.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also reviewed preparedness through a series of meetings with senior officials to assess arrangements before the examination day.
Measures Introduced to Prevent Malpractice
The agency stated that confidential materials will be handled through sealed security protocols. GPS-enabled vehicles, police escorts, CCTV surveillance linked to monitoring centres and Aadhaar-based biometric verification will be used throughout the process.
As part of efforts to curb misinformation and cheating attempts, temporary restrictions were placed on Telegram. The NTA has also launched an official WhatsApp channel to provide verified information to candidates and has advised students to ignore claims related to leaked papers, answer keys or paid examination assistance services.
Support Facilities Arranged for Students
Several state governments have announced support initiatives, including free transportation services for candidates travelling to examination centres.
Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission has directed medical colleges and institutions under its jurisdiction not to grant leave on June 20 and 21 except in exceptional situations. The directive follows reports suggesting the possible involvement of some medical students in activities that could compromise examination fairness.
The NTA said examination centres have been equipped with power backup systems, drinking water facilities, sanitation arrangements and medical assistance. Candidates may carry transparent water bottles, while diabetic students are permitted to bring approved items such as fruits and sugar tablets along with a transparent bottle.
Officials have further advised candidates wearing customary attire or full-sleeved clothing to report early to facilitate additional security checks and ensure smooth entry into the examination venue.