21 June,2026 11:05 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has put in place an extensive multi-layered security framework for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled on Sunday, aiming to ensure a fair, transparent and malpractice-free process for more than 22 lakh medical aspirants across the country.
The re-examination is being conducted following the cancellation of the original May 3 test amid allegations of irregularities. Authorities have coordinated with central and state governments, police departments, district administrations and paramilitary forces to strengthen security and restore confidence in the country's largest medical entrance examination.
The examination will be conducted at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. According to the NTA, more than 95,000 examination rooms have been equipped with 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras, all of which will be monitored in real time at national, state and ministry levels.
The surveillance system will be supported by artificial intelligence-based monitoring tools and more than 51,000 signal jammers supplied by Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to prevent unauthorised electronic communication during the examination.
More than 2.5 lakh security personnel have been mobilised nationwide, making it one of the most closely monitored entrance examinations ever conducted in the country.
To strengthen candidate verification, the NTA has introduced Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and face recognition systems at all examination centres. A total of 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric staff members have been deployed.
Each examination room will be supervised by two invigilators, while every centre will have more than 10 supporting officials overseeing operations. Around 6,700 physical observers and over 100 virtual observers will monitor the examination process.
Reporting, frisking and biometric verification will begin at 11 am. The entry deadline has been fixed at 1.30 pm, after which no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre. The examination will be conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm.
Authorities have implemented strict protocols for the transportation and handling of confidential examination materials. Question papers and OMR sheets will be moved through GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while the Indian Air Force has been deployed to assist transportation in sensitive areas.
Police, paramilitary forces, the Department of Posts and local administrations have also been involved in ensuring secure movement and storage of examination materials. The NTA said all question papers have been verified and secured through designated custodian banks before distribution.
A nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20 to test paper dispatch systems, biometric verification procedures, candidate entry processes and emergency response mechanisms.
The NTA has directed all examination centres to provide essential facilities, including drinking water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), ambulances, shaded waiting areas and seating arrangements for parents and guardians.
Wall clocks have been installed in examination rooms, while additional rough sheets will be made available to candidates, including left-handed students. Extra time has also been factored into arrangements to compensate for entry-related formalities and security checks.
The agency has advised candidates to wear simple, light-coloured clothing without pockets or accessories to facilitate smooth frisking procedures.
Ahead of the re-examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged students to appear for the examination with confidence and without anxiety.
Expressing confidence in the arrangements made by the NTA and various government agencies, Pradhan said he had full faith in the country's examination system and wished success to all candidates appearing for the test.
He also warned against spreading misinformation or rumours related to the examination and appealed to individuals and organisations to act responsibly, stressing that students' mental well-being should not be affected by unverified claims.
Candidates have been instructed to carry a printed admit card with an affixed passport-sized photograph, a postcard-sized photograph, a valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN card, voter identity card, passport or driving licence, along with two additional passport-sized photographs.
Electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones and calculators are strictly prohibited inside examination centres. Notes, books, geometry boxes, wallets, handbags, cameras and metallic accessories are also not permitted.
Ballpoint pens will be provided by examination authorities at the centres.
The NTA has advised candidates to rely only on official communication channels for updates and ignore rumours circulating on social media regarding the examination. With extensive security arrangements in place, authorities aim to ensure the smooth conduct of NEET-UG 2026 and restore confidence in the integrity of the examination process.
