Massive Security Deployment Across Gujarat for NEET-UG Re-exam
The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination commenced across Gujarat on Sunday with extensive security arrangements, including drone surveillance and cyber monitoring. Nearly 79,400 aspirants appeared at 211 examination centres across the state, according to Gujarat Police. The test was conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm, with an additional 15 minutes added to the schedule.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the re-test after the cancellation of the earlier May 3 exam amid an ongoing probe into a question paper leak. The examination is being held across 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad, in English and 12 Indian languages.
State-Level Coordination and Nodal Officer Appointment
The Gujarat government appointed Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Makrand Chauhan as the state nodal officer for all NEET-related security arrangements. Speaking ahead of the examination, Chauhan said Gujarat Police made elaborate preparations in coordination with the NTA, the state education department, and central government agencies. “The Gujarat Police finalised all preparations to ensure the NEET examination is organised smoothly and concludes in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
Chauhan stated that police were tasked with ensuring smooth movement of candidates travelling by buses, trains, and private vehicles so they reach their centres on time. Detailed instructions were issued regarding frisking of candidates and crowd management at examination venues. Special measures were implemented to detect impersonators or “dummy candidates” without causing inconvenience to genuine aspirants.
Cyber Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
The state’s Cyber Centre of Excellence and its branches kept a close watch on messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram to prevent any attempts to leak examination-related material or spread misinformation, Chauhan said. Security protocols were also enforced for the transportation of question papers and the collection and return of OMR sheets after the examination.
In Ahmedabad alone, around 10,445 candidates appeared at 23 examination centres. Ahmedabad Deputy Commissioner of Police (Control Room) Reema Munshi said six DCPs, personnel from 15 police station jurisdictions, and traffic staff from 14 police stations were deployed to maintain law and order and facilitate smooth movement of students. All station house officers and their teams remained on duty throughout the examination period.
Drone Surveillance and Quick Response Teams
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch deployed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for immediate intervention in case of emergencies or any untoward incident. As part of enhanced surveillance, eight drones were used for aerial monitoring around examination centres, while the Cyber Crime Branch and social media cell conducted continuous online patrolling to curb rumours and misinformation, Munshi said. Photocopy centres located near examination venues were directed to remain closed during exam hours as a measure to prevent irregularities.
The police force was on high alert across the state to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the nationwide medical entrance examination.
