NTA rolls out multi-layered security measures for NEET-UG 2026 re-examination

The National Testing Agency NTA has put in place an extensive multilayered security framework for the NEETUG 2026 reexamination scheduled on Sunday aiming to ensure a fair transparent and malpracticefree process for more than 22 lakh medical aspirants across the countryThe reexamination 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 countrys largest medical entrance examinationMassive Security Deployment Across Examination CentresThe examination will be conducted at 5440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations According to the NTA more than 95000 examination rooms have been equipped with 138 lakh CCTV cameras all of which will be monitored in real time at national state and ministry levelsThe surveillance system will be supported by artificial intelligencebased monitoring tools and more than 51000 signal jammers supplied by Electronics Corporation of India Limited ECIL and Bharat Electronics Limited BEL to prevent unauthorised electronic communication during the examinationMore than 25 lakh security personnel have been mobilised nationwide making it one of the most closely monitored entrance examinations ever conducted in the countryBiometric Verification and Strict Entry ProtocolsTo strengthen candidate verification the NTA has introduced Aadhaarbased biometric authentication and face recognition systems at all examination centres A total of 38795 frisking personnel and 48448 biometric staff members have been deployedEach examination room will be supervised by two invigilators while every centre will have more than 10 supporting officials overseeing operations Around 6700 physical observers and over 100 virtual observers will monitor the examination processReporting frisking and biometric verification will begin at 11 am The entry deadline has been fixed at 130 pm after which no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre The examination will be conducted from 2 pm to 515 pmSecure Transportation of Question PapersAuthorities have implemented strict protocols for the transportation and handling of confidential examination materials Question papers and OMR sheets will be moved through GPSenabled vehicles under police escort while the Indian Air Force has been deployed to assist transportation in sensitive areasPolice 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 distributionA nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20 to test paper dispatch systems biometric verification procedures candidate entry processes and emergency response mechanismsSpecial Arrangements for Candidate ConvenienceThe 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 guardiansWall clocks have been installed in examination rooms while additional rough sheets will be made available to candidates including lefthanded students Extra time has also been factored into arrangements to compensate for entryrelated formalities and security checksThe agency has advised candidates to wear simple lightcoloured clothing without pockets or accessories to facilitate smooth frisking proceduresMinister Assures Students Ahead of ExaminationAhead of the reexamination Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged students to appear for the examination with confidence and without anxietyExpressing confidence in the arrangements made by the NTA and various government agencies Pradhan said he had full faith in the countrys examination system and wished success to all candidates appearing for the testHe also warned against spreading misinformation or rumours related to the examination and appealed to individuals and organisations to act responsibly stressing that students mental wellbeing should not be affected by unverified claimsList of Documents and Prohibited ItemsCandidates have been instructed to carry a printed admit card with an affixed passportsized photograph a postcardsized photograph a valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar PAN card voter identity card passport or driving licence along with two additional passportsized photographsElectronic 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 permittedBallpoint pens will be provided by examination authorities at the centresThe 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 NEETUG 2026 and restore confidence in the integrity of the examination process