How the NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination is Set for a Secure and Smooth Conduct

Nationwide Mock Drill Prepares for NEET-UG 2026

New Delhi: A nationwide mock drill took place on Saturday in preparation for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, aimed at ensuring a seamless, secure, and transparent testing process, according to officials.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced that it has established "comprehensive arrangements" to facilitate a "fair, secure, and candidate-friendly" re-examination.

Over 22.79 lakh medical aspirants are expected to participate in the re-examination scheduled for Sunday, following the cancellation of the original test nearly seven weeks ago due to allegations of a paper leak that sparked widespread outrage, political disputes, and legal challenges.

The re-examination will occur from 2 PM to 5:15 PM across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) who qualify for compensatory time will be allowed to complete their exams until 6:20 PM.

Candidates are instructed to arrive at their examination centers between 11 AM and 1:30 PM.

"Entry gates will close promptly at 1:30 PM, and no candidate will be allowed entry after that time under any circumstances," the agency emphasized.

The examination will be conducted in English and 12 Indian languages. On the day of the exam, candidates must bring their admit card, a valid photo ID, and two passport-sized photographs.

The NTA has implemented extensive security measures for the re-examination, including over 95,000 examination rooms equipped with CCTV, and a total of 138,560 CCTV cameras monitored live at national, state, and ministry levels. AI-based tools will analyze the CCTV feeds to identify anomalies, and 51,311 jammers have been deployed to prevent electronic malpractice.

On-site, the NTA has assigned two invigilators to each examination room and more than 10 additional staff members at each center. Enhanced candidate verification and frisking protocols involve 38,795 frisking staff and 48,448 biometric personnel, with biometric resources doubled and supported by facial recognition technology.

Additionally, around 6,700 observers and over 100 virtual observers have been appointed, with an average of 40 to 50 security personnel stationed at each center.

For secure logistics, the NTA has coordinated with police, paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force, and the Department of Posts for the transportation and handling of confidential examination materials.

Candidate arrangements include access to drinking water, ORS, ambulances at examination centers, shaded waiting areas, seating for parents, wall clocks in every examination room, and extra rough-work sheets for left-handed candidates.

Previously, the agency reported that over 2 lakh personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilized to ensure the re-examination proceeds smoothly and fairly.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has led several high-level review meetings with senior officials to evaluate readiness and oversee preparations for the re-examination.

In a bid to combat cheating, the government has temporarily restricted access to Telegram, as stated by the NTA.

The NTA has also introduced a verified WhatsApp communication channel to provide candidates with authentic updates and has warned students against believing social media rumors regarding "leaked" question papers, answer keys, or paid services.

Several states have announced support measures for candidates, including free transportation via state-run bus services to alleviate travel-related stress and ensure timely arrival at examination centers.

The National Medical Commission previously instructed all medical colleges and institutions under its jurisdiction not to grant leave to students on June 20 and 21, except in exceptional cases. This decision follows instances where medical students were found involved in activities that could undermine the integrity of the examination process.

"To guarantee a fair and transparent examination, the agency has established a multi-layered security framework, which includes secure handling of confidential materials under sealed protocols, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts for the movement of examination materials, CCTV surveillance at all examination centers linked to centralized control rooms, and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation," the NTA stated.

The agency has made various candidate-centric arrangements at all examination centers, considering the large number of candidates and the prevailing summer conditions. These provisions include reliable power backup, adequate lighting and fans, wall clocks in examination rooms, drinking water, sanitation facilities, and on-site medical support.

Candidates will be permitted to bring a transparent water bottle, while those with diabetes may carry sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges, along with a transparent water bottle, in accordance with NTA guidelines.

The NTA has deployed additional biometric machines and trained personnel to expedite verification, and travel and weather advisories have been issued in advance, urging candidates to plan their travel early and verify center addresses from their admit cards.

Candidates wearing traditional or religious attire, as well as those preferring full-sleeved clothing or woolens, are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for thorough frisking.