GUWAHATI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will provide logistical support for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) re-examination scheduled for June 21, with Air Force aircraft set to transport question paper packets to 18 locations across the country as part of an unprecedented security exercise, reports stated on Tuesday, June 9.
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The move comes in the wake of the cancellation of the May 3 NEET-UG examination following allegations of a paper leak. Authorities have since put in place a series of stringent measures aimed at ensuring the integrity of the re-test.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier announced that the IAF would be involved in transporting question papers for the examination. The use of military aircraft is intended to strengthen the chain of custody of examination materials and minimise the possibility of tampering during transit.
The deployment of the IAF forms part of one of the most extensive security arrangements ever undertaken for a national entrance examination in India.
As part of the security protocol, question paper setters, moderators and translators have been moved to a secure undisclosed location, where they will remain isolated until the examination is conducted. Access to mobile phones, laptops, internet services and other forms of communication has reportedly been restricted to prevent any possibility of information leakage.
In addition, nearly five lakh security personnel are expected to be deployed nationwide for examination-related duties. Authorities have also reportedly planned the use of AI-enabled surveillance cameras and enhanced monitoring of social media platforms to detect and prevent any attempts to compromise the examination process.
The Centre's heightened security measures follow widespread concerns over the integrity of the original NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was subsequently cancelled amid allegations of question paper leaks.
The re-examination is scheduled to be conducted on June 21 under strict monitoring, with authorities aiming to restore confidence in the country's largest medical entrance examination.