NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination: Nationwide Preparations Underway
Nationwide Mock Drill for NEET-UG Re-Examination
File image of NEET-UG aspirants protesting against NTA paper leaks. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi, Jun 20: A nationwide mock drill was conducted on Saturday in preparation for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, aimed at ensuring a smooth, secure, and transparent process for the medical entrance test, according to officials.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented at the National Testing Agency (NTA) office located in the capital.
More than 22.79 lakh candidates are set to take the re-examination on Sunday, following the cancellation of the original test nearly seven weeks ago due to allegations of a paper leak that sparked widespread protests, political disputes, and legal actions.
The re-examination is scheduled from 2 PM to 5:15 PM across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) who qualify for extra time will be allowed to complete their exams until 6:20 PM.
Candidates are instructed to arrive at their designated examination centres between 11 AM and 1:30 PM. "Entry gates will close promptly at 1:30 PM, and no latecomers will be allowed entry under any circumstances," the agency stated.
The NTA has confirmed its readiness for the re-examination, collaborating with district administrations, police forces, and escort teams responsible for the secure transport of confidential materials.
As per the NTA, the re-examination requires close coordination among various agencies and administrative levels, with 674 city coordinators managing operations at the city level and 6,669 observers assigned for independent monitoring at examination centres. Each centre will have appointed superintendents and invigilators.
Over 200,000 personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilized to ensure the re-examination is conducted smoothly and fairly, according to the NTA.
In a notable first, the Indian Air Force will assist in transporting the question papers as part of enhanced security protocols.
Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has led several high-level review meetings with senior officials to evaluate readiness and oversee arrangements for the re-examination.
The government has also temporarily restricted access to Telegram, with the NTA indicating that this measure aims to combat cheating networks.
The NTA has introduced a verified WhatsApp 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 initiatives for candidates, including free transportation through state-run bus services to alleviate travel-related stress and ensure timely arrival at examination centres.
The National Medical Commission has 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 examination's integrity.
"To guarantee a fair and transparent examination, the NTA 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 centres linked to centralized control rooms, and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation," the NTA stated.
The agency has implemented various candidate-centric arrangements at all examination centres, considering the large number of candidates and the prevailing summer conditions. These provisions include reliable power backup, adequate lighting and ventilation, wall clocks in examination rooms, drinking water, sanitation facilities, and on-site medical assistance.
Candidates are 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.