Odisha carried out a comprehensive mock drill across all 132 NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination centres on Saturday, testing elaborate security and monitoring mechanisms ahead of Sunday's high-stakes medical entrance examination. With 56,983 candidates set to take the test, authorities reviewed CCTV camera surveillance, biometric devices, signal jammers, frisking procedures, and logistical arrangements to ensure a seamless and malpractice-free examination amid heightened scrutiny following the controversy surrounding the earlier May exam.
Security Measures and Logistics
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 reported that the papers were unloaded onto 16 vehicles under high security and transported to designated bank strong rooms. From there, examination materials will be moved to centres by 7 am in GPS-enabled vehicles with police escort.
All centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance systems to monitor activities in 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 11 am to 1:30 pm, with multiple levels of frisking. Three women constables and an equal number of male cops will be deployed at each centre.
Candidate Distribution and Amenities
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 candidate convenience. Higher education commissioner-cum-secretary Aravind Agarwal stated that four levels of control rooms will monitor the examination in real time by both the NTA and state officials. Higher education minister Suryabanshi Suraj will monitor the examination from Bhubaneswar.
Oversight and Monitoring
Control rooms have been established at every examination centre for NTA and state observers to monitor proceedings. District collectors and state authorities will also oversee the process at their respective levels, while the NTA supervises through its central control room. The elaborate arrangements follow allegations of irregularities in the original NEET in May, prompting a multilayered monitoring mechanism for the retest.
