The Centre is actively considering the use of Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft for transporting question papers for the NEET-UG retest scheduled on June 21, as part of a broader "whole-of-government" security strategy to prevent any paper leaks. This was reported by Manash Gohain, citing sources familiar with the matter.
High-Level Meeting Discusses Security Measures
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting on Thursday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting was attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, and top bureaucrats from multiple ministries.
According to sources in the education ministry, the government is considering deploying the IAF only for transportation logistics due to time constraints and the government's determination not to take any risks this time.
No Final Decision Yet
Sources emphasized that no final decision has been taken yet, and the proposal will be placed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi before any formal approval is granted. The move acknowledges the evolving tactics used by individuals determined to leak papers for the entrance test, which grants coveted seats in medical colleges, and underscores the importance of ensuring the integrity of the forthcoming NEET exam.
"The approach this time is that every vulnerable point in the examination chain must be secured with maximum redundancy and supervision. The government is leaving no stone unturned," a source said.
Details of the IAF Plan
If the IAF plan is implemented, its planes will deliver exam papers to select locations within states, such as Lucknow, Agra, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh; Patna and Darbhanga in Bihar; and Kolkata and Bagdogra in West Bengal. From these points, state agencies will take over the responsibility of transporting papers to districts, ensuring their safe custody, and delivering them to exam centres. Currently, the delivery of papers is handled by the postal department.
Comprehensive Review of Exam Cycle
Officials stated that the meeting conducted a detailed review of the entire exam cycle, covering the empanelment of paper setters, printing protocols, transportation routes, storage facilities, distribution networks, and last-mile security arrangements at exam centres.
Besides exploring the use of the IAF, discussions also focused on deeper coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and state home departments for the secure movement and monitoring of question papers. Sources indicated that district administrations and police units are likely to be integrated more closely into the transportation and custody chain.
PM Modi Monitoring Preparations
The Prime Minister is understood to be personally monitoring preparations for the June 21 retest and is being regularly briefed on operational and security measures related to the exam process, officials said. The NEET-UG 2024 exam was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested 13 people from different cities in connection with the case.
