Nagpur airport turned into a high-security zone on Monday morning as the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a highly confidential operation to transport NEET question papers to far-flung centres across Central India and other states. The exercise comes ahead of the NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21, following allegations linked to a paper leak prior to the May 3 examination.
Operation Details
Sources said the IAF deployed its tactical airlift aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules, along with other planes that together carried out eight sorties from the city airport. The main aircraft handling the consignments had been stationed in Nagpur since late Sunday night.
The postal department oversaw the handling of the papers, while security was managed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Officials involved in the operation were required to submit written declarations stating that none of their children or relatives were appearing for the NEET exam. Even regular airport personnel and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were largely excluded from the operation to maintain confidentiality.
Dispatch and Delivery
On Monday morning, the consignments were dispatched using smaller aircraft such as AN-32 and Avro fixed-wing planes, apart from helicopters, to reach centres across Vidarbha and other regions. The origin of the papers was not disclosed. Flights continued until afternoon, with aircraft departing one after another in rapid succession.
In Akola, an IAF helicopter landed at Shivani airstrip around 7:55 am, carrying sealed consignments. These were then transported under tight security to at least four designated storage locations in the district, each protected by multi-layered arrangements.
In Amravati, a helicopter touched down at Hanuman Gadhi ground at around 10:30 am. The sealed boxes were moved in a convoy of 10 to 15 vehicles, escorted by CRPF personnel and Amravati police, to secure locations including the District Treasury and the State Bank of India's Camp branch. There, the consignments were stored in vaults and resealed under official supervision. Around 4,770 candidates are expected to take the exam at 14 centres in the district. "The sealed boxes will remain under strict custody and will be dispatched to centres only a few hours before the exam begins," a senior official said.
Aircraft from Nagpur also delivered papers to Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh and Jharsuguda in Odisha, covering additional locations along the route.
Security Background
The heightened security follows last year's NEET paper leak controversy, which sparked nationwide outrage. For the re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced stricter measures, including monitored transportation, secure storage, and restricted access protocols. On Monday, Union home secretary reviewed the preparedness of state governments and directed all agencies to ensure full compliance with security procedures. Railway Board chairman also assured support to facilitate student travel. More than 22 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examination nationwide.
