Surat: From CISF personnel brought in from Delhi to round-the-clock surveillance by intelligence and crime detection agencies, the authorities are leaving nothing to chance for the re-conduct of NEET-UG 2026 on June 21 in Surat.
A total of 10,301 students will take the high-stakes examination at 22 centres across the district amid heightened security following the nationwide paper leak controversy that led to the cancellation of the earlier exam.
The district administration has put in place a multi-layered security mechanism, including stringent frisking of candidates, enhanced patrolling and close monitoring of coaching institutes and online platforms to prevent any attempt at unfair practices.
A senior govt official said several security arrangements are being kept confidential in line with the central government guidelines.
"This time, many aspects of the security plan are being kept top secret. There will be a two-layer security system at every examination centre, and frisking of candidates will be more stringent to eliminate any possibility of irregularities," the official said.
The official added that agencies, including the intelligence bureau (IB), crime branch, special operations group (SOG) and other govt departments, are closely monitoring coaching institutes and individuals linked to examination-related activities. Authorities are also keeping a close watch on internet platforms to detect and prevent any attempt to leak examination material.
The examination will be conducted from 2pm to 5.15pm on Sunday. Entry to centres will be permitted between 11am and 1.30pm, after which no candidate will be allowed inside. Authorities have advised students to reach their centres well in advance.
"Preparations have been completed through close coordination among the collector's office, district education authorities, police department and other concerned agencies," the official said.
CISF Personnel Deployed from Delhi
CISF personnel have been specially deployed from Delhi to strengthen security arrangements for the examination. Officials said the central force will work alongside local police to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the examination process. Police have also drawn up route-security and traffic-management plans to ensure the smooth movement of candidates. PSI-rank officers and their teams have been assigned to examination centres and key transit points across the city.
SMC, DGVCL, Torrent on Alert
The collector's office has directed DGVCL, Torrent Power, GSRTC, the health department, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and other agencies to remain on alert during the examination period. Authorities have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, smooth public transport services, healthcare support, sanitation and other essential services.
5 special trains for candidates
Western Railway announced five special trains on June 20 and June 21 to facilitate travel for NEET candidates and their parents. The special services will operate on the Bandra–Ambedkarnagar (Madhya Pradesh), Bandra–Maninagar (Ahmedabad), Okha–Gandhinagar Capital, Bhavnagar–Gandhigram and Indore–Bhopal–Ratlam routes.
