Government Considers IAF for Secure NEET-UG Paper Transport

The Indian government is contemplating the use of the Indian Air Force for the secure transport of NEET-UG examination papers to ensure a smooth retest on June 21. This decision follows allegations of a paper leak that led to the cancellation of the initial exam. A high-level meeting involving key ministers discussed various aspects of the examination process, including security measures. The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation, and the Central Bureau of Investigation has already made several arrests related to the case. The upcoming retest aims to restore integrity to the examination process.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2026, 16:33 IST

Exploring Secure Transportation for NEET-UG Papers

File image of NEET-UG aspirants protesting against NTA paper leaks. (Photo: Media House)

New Delhi, May 29: The Indian government is considering utilizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the secure transportation of NEET-UG examination papers, aiming to ensure a smooth retest scheduled for June 21, according to official sources.

This option was discussed during a high-level meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which also included Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

During the meeting, the possibility of deploying IAF aircraft for the movement of NEET-UG test papers was evaluated, as per the sources.

However, no conclusive decision has been made yet, and the proposal will be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his final approval, the sources indicated.

The Prime Minister is reportedly closely overseeing the preparations for the upcoming retest and is receiving regular updates on all aspects of the examination process.

The meeting focused on the entire examination procedure, including the creation of question papers by educators, their printing, transportation, and security measures.

Attendees included National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh and senior officials from the Education Ministry, among others.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, took place on May 3 across 551 cities in India and at 14 international locations, with nearly 23 lakh candidates registered for the exam, which was administered by the NTA.

On the evening of May 7, four days post-exam, the NTA received reports of alleged irregularities.

The NTA promptly shared this information with central agencies the following morning for independent verification and necessary actions.

On May 12, amid allegations of a paper leak, the NTA canceled the NEET-UG, and a re-examination was announced for June 21.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a case based on a formal complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.

The central investigative agency has formed specialized teams to look into the matter, conducted searches nationwide, and made swift arrests.

To date, 13 individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case from various locations including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar.

The CBI has previously stated that the investigation has revealed the actual source of the question paper leak.