Enhanced Security Measures for NEET-UG Re-Test Amidst Paper Leak Concerns
In response to a recent question paper leak, the Ministry of Education has implemented stringent security measures for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination. Personnel from the CRPF and CISF will oversee the secure transport of exam papers from airports to various test centers, with state police providing additional support. This initiative follows the cancellation of the original exam due to security breaches. The NTA has coordinated with the Indian Air Force to ensure comprehensive safety protocols are in place. Discover the full details of these measures and their significance in maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
| Jun 12, 2026, 16:53 IST
Security Forces Deployed for NEET-UG Exam Paper Delivery
The Ministry of Education has assigned personnel from two central armed police forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to ensure the secure transportation of question papers for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG) re-examination scheduled for June 21. State police forces will assist armed CAPF personnel at each examination center as the papers are transported from the airport to banks and then to the test locations. These forces, who recently provided security for electronic voting machines (EVMs) and counting centers during assembly elections in several states, including West Bengal, will safeguard the papers as they are moved from key hubs in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad to 551 cities where the exams will take place. The CAPF units deployed are specifically trained to protect individuals facing significant threats.
Background of the NEET-UG Re-Test
The re-test for NEET-UG is being conducted due to the cancellation of the original exam held on May 3, which was marred by a question paper leak. Initially, the leak occurred at the source, involving professors responsible for preparing the exam. During the 2024 examination, another leak happened while transporting the paper from a bank in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, to a school-based test center. Officials familiar with the situation revealed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) requested assistance from CAPF personnel in a letter to the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, on June 4, to facilitate the delivery of papers to various bank branches.
Coordination and Security Protocols
NTA's Director General, Abhishek Singh, has requested CAPF security throughout the entire process of paper delivery from June 11 until the evening of June 21, when the exam takes place. This year, the government has also enlisted the support of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for security reasons. As the papers are transported, state police will escort them to the airport, where CISF and CRPF personnel will ensure their safety during the flight and upon arrival. According to internal communications from the NTA, a meeting with the Defense Minister confirmed the involvement of state police for escort duties and CAPF for security. Additionally, CAPF officials will be present on IAF aircraft during the paper delivery for enhanced security.