The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting a re-examination for the NEET-UG on Sunday, June 21, 2026, more than a month after the original test was cancelled due to a paper leak. Over 22.79 lakh candidates will appear at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is delivering question papers to 18 zones nationwide. The government has deployed more than two lakh personnel to ensure smooth conduct.
Massive Security and Manpower Deployment
A nationwide mock drill was held on the eve of the examination to verify systems, including jammers, CCTV cameras, frisking arrangements, and biometric verification. Coordinators also confirmed the availability of examination material stored in custodian banks. Each of the over 95,000 examination rooms will have two invigilators, and every centre will be staffed with more than 10 additional examination functionaries. A total of 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric verification personnel have been deployed. Biometric manpower has been doubled and will be supplemented by face authentication to ensure thorough verification while minimising queues.
Multi-Layered Security Framework
The NTA has implemented a multi-layered security framework, including end-to-end secure handling of confidential material under sealed protocols, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts, and CCTV surveillance with feeds linked to centralised control rooms. Mandatory frisking through high-sensitivity metal detectors will be conducted before entry, supported by strengthened manpower and equipment. Real-time monitoring through centralised control systems is also in place. On average, 40 to 50 security personnel have been deployed at each examination centre. Bank officials are stationed at around 1,500 bank branches holding confidential material, and the Department of Posts will coordinate collection of OMR sheets at around 700 collection centres across the country.
Background and Controversy
The cancellation of the original NEET-UG examination triggered a major controversy, with reports of more than 10 students dying by suicide in the aftermath. The issue has provided ammunition to the Opposition and the newly launched Cockroach Janata Party, both of which have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Earlier this month, senior officials of the NTA and the Education Ministry were summoned by a parliamentary panel to review preparations for the re-examination and discuss measures to prevent future paper leaks.
Candidate Verification and Accommodations
According to an NTA advisory, candidates whose biometric verification cannot be completed due to technical glitches, poor fingerprint quality, UIDAI connectivity issues, or physical inability will not be denied entry. Such candidates must sign a written undertaking, available with the centre superintendent or observer, and will then be allowed to take the examination. Manual identity verification will be carried out using valid documents. Candidates are allowed to carry a transparent water bottle; diabetic candidates may carry sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges, along with a transparent water bottle. Prohibited items include mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, wallets, jewellery, metallic accessories, and food packets.
Coordination and Oversight
The re-examination is being overseen by 674 city coordinators and 6,669 observers deployed for independent oversight at examination centres. Review meetings have been held with Chief Secretaries and senior officials of all states, and districts have confirmed readiness. District administrations, police forces, and escort teams have also been deployed for secure transportation of confidential material. A centre systems officer has been deployed at each of the 5,440 examination centres to monitor CCTV feeds and resolve technical issues on the spot.
