In a significant move to support medical aspirants, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has announced free bus travel for all NEET candidates on the day of the examination. The decision comes as a relief for thousands of students who often face transportation challenges while reaching exam centers.
Details of the Initiative
The free bus travel facility will be available on May 5, 2026, the scheduled date for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). All state-run buses under the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and other government-operated bus services will be accessible to NEET aspirants without any fare. Students will need to show their NEET admit card to avail of this facility.
Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring that no student misses the examination due to lack of transport. He stated, "Our government is dedicated to promoting education and supporting students. This initiative will help aspirants from rural and remote areas reach their exam centers conveniently."
Impact on Students
This move is expected to benefit over 1.5 lakh NEET aspirants in Bihar. Many students from villages and small towns often struggle with limited public transport options, and this free bus service aims to alleviate that burden. Parents and student groups have welcomed the announcement, calling it a student-friendly step.
Bihar has consistently recorded high numbers of NEET applicants, and the state government has been taking several measures to improve educational infrastructure. In the past, free bus travel was also provided for board exam students, and the positive response prompted the extension of this facility to competitive exams.
How to Avail the Facility
- Students must carry a printed copy of their NEET admit card.
- The admit card must be displayed to the bus conductor or driver.
- The facility is available on all state government buses, including ordinary and express services.
- No advance booking is required; students can board any bus on the route to their exam center.
The Bihar government has also instructed district administrations to ensure adequate bus deployment on exam day, especially in areas with high numbers of candidates. Additional buses will be arranged if needed to avoid any inconvenience.
Reactions and Future Plans
Student organizations have lauded the initiative, with many taking to social media to express gratitude. Some have also urged the government to extend similar support for other competitive exams like JEE and CUET. While no official confirmation has been made, sources indicate that the government is considering such proposals.
The NEET UG 2026 exam is expected to be held across multiple centers in Bihar, with major cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur hosting the largest number of test-takers. The free bus travel announcement is part of a broader strategy to make exam logistics smoother for students.
Deputy CM Chaudhary also mentioned that the state government is working on improving road connectivity to rural exam centers and may introduce shuttle services from key pickup points. He assured that student welfare remains a top priority for the Bihar government.
