The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced on Friday that over 2 lakh personnel have been mobilized for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination, which will be held on June 21. As part of standard preparatory procedures, the Ministry of Education officials confirmed that a mock drill will be conducted on June 20, a day before the exam.
Massive Deployment for Smooth Conduct
The re-examination will cater to over 22.79 lakh candidates across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. To ensure seamless coordination, 674 city coordinators will oversee city-level operations, while 6,669 observers will provide independent oversight at examination centers. District administrations, police forces, and escort teams have been deployed to ensure secure transportation of confidential materials.
Multi-Layered Security Framework
The NTA has implemented a robust security framework to guarantee a fair and transparent examination. Key measures include end-to-end secure handling of confidential materials under sealed protocols, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escort for transporting exam materials, and CCTV-equipped examination centers with feeds linked to centralized control rooms. Mandatory frisking using high-sensitivity metal detectors will be conducted before entry, with strengthened manpower and equipment at every center. Real-time monitoring through centralized control systems will also be in place.
Social Media Monitoring and Cybercrime Complaints
Active monitoring of social media platforms is being undertaken to curb misinformation and prevent malpractice. The NTA has filed complaints with cybercrime authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Strict action is being taken against all individuals involved in any malpractices, according to an NTA statement.
Candidates with Biometric Issues Not Denied Entry
As per NTA guidelines, candidates whose biometric verification cannot be completed due to technical malfunctions, poor fingerprint quality, UIDAI connectivity issues, or physical inability will not be denied entry. Such candidates must sign a written undertaking, available at the examination center with the Centre Superintendent or observer, and will then be permitted to write the exam. Manual identity verification will be carried out using valid documents.
Allowed and Prohibited Items
Candidates are allowed to carry a transparent water bottle. Diabetic candidates may carry sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples, or oranges. However, mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, wallets, jewelry, metallic accessories, and food packets are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
Reporting Time and Entry Rules
Candidates must report to their examination center between 11 am and 1:30 pm. Entry gates will close sharply at 1:30 pm, and no candidate will be permitted entry thereafter under any circumstances, the NTA emphasized. Candidates wearing customary or religious attire, or those wishing to wear full-sleeves or woolens, are advised to report early to allow time for thorough frisking. Each candidate must carry a printed copy of the admit card, one original valid photo ID, and two passport-size photographs for affixing on the attendance sheet.
