Odisha carried out a full-scale mock drill across all 132 NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination centres on Saturday, testing the elaborate security and monitoring mechanisms in place for Sunday's high-stakes medical entrance examination. With 56,983 candidates set to appear, authorities reviewed CCTV surveillance, biometric devices, signal jammers, frisking procedures, and logistical arrangements to ensure a malpractice-free exam, following controversy over the earlier May test.
Security and Logistics Reviewed
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the examination, while the state's higher education department oversees arrangements in coordination with Odisha police and district administrations. Earlier this week, re-NEET question papers were transported to the state using the Indian Air Force's Charlie-130 military transport aircraft. Officials at Bhubaneswar airport said the papers were unloaded onto 16 vehicles under high security and moved to designated bank strong rooms. From there, examination materials will be transported to centres by 7am in GPS-enabled vehicles with police escort.
All centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance systems to monitor activities inside and around examination halls. Biometric devices for Aadhaar-based authentication and signal jammers have been installed to prevent electronic communication or unfair means. Candidates will be allowed entry from 11am to 1.30pm, with multiple levels of frisking. Three women constables and an equal number of male police officers will be deployed at each centre.
Monitoring and Oversight
The elaborate arrangements come amid heightened vigilance following allegations of irregularities in the original NEET in May. The NTA, state and district observers, centre superintendents, and invigilators will facilitate the examination at every centre. Among the 56,983 candidates, the highest number—12,234—will appear in Bhubaneswar, where 26 centres have been set up. All centres have drinking water facilities, waiting areas, and other basic amenities for candidates.
Higher education commissioner-cum-secretary Aravind Agarwal said there would be four levels of control rooms for real-time monitoring by both the NTA and state officials. Higher education minister Suryabanshi Suraj will monitor the examination from Bhubaneswar. A control room has been set up at every centre for NTA and state observers, while district collectors and state authorities will oversee the process at their respective levels. The NTA will supervise through its central control room.
