New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday said it was fully prepared to conduct the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21 under an unprecedented security framework, weeks after the original May 3 test was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the re-test, which will be conducted at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres overseas in English and 12 Indian languages.
To strengthen transparency and prevent malpractice, the NTA has introduced several changes for this year’s re-examination. Candidates will be given an additional 15 minutes, increasing the total duration of the examination from 180 minutes to 195 minutes. The agency has also expanded the rough-work space in question booklets and modified their layout to make them more student-friendly.
Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced across the country. As part of its revamped plan, the NTA has equipped over 95,000 examination rooms with CCTV surveillance and installed 1,38,560 cameras. Additionally, 51,311 signal jammers have been deployed to prevent unauthorised communication during the test. The agency has also doubled the number of personnel assigned for biometric verification and introduced artificial intelligence-based monitoring of live CCTV feeds to detect suspicious activity in real time.
Officials said question papers were transported under strict security protocols, including support from the Indian Air Force. Paper setters, moderators and translators were reportedly housed at secure locations under communication restrictions before the examination. Biometric verification has been made mandatory for all candidates, and refusal to comply without a valid reason could attract action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
To ensure all systems function smoothly, a nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20. The exercise tested key arrangements, including frisking procedures, biometric verification, CCTV surveillance systems and the functioning of signal jammers at examination centres.
In a bid to curb misinformation and organised cheating attempts, access to Telegram has been temporarily restricted in India until June 22. Authorities said the measure was aimed at preventing the circulation of fake paper leaks and misleading content related to the examination.
The Ministry of Education, NTA, state governments and law-enforcement agencies have also held multiple review meetings ahead of the test. Several states have announced free or subsidised transport facilities to help candidates reach their examination centres without difficulty.
However, the run-up to the examination was not entirely free of controversy. A candidate from Nagpur reportedly received an admit card assigning him a test centre in Abu Dhabi, raising questions about the NTA’s logistical arrangements. The agency has not yet issued a public explanation regarding the reported error.
With heightened scrutiny, extensive security measures and the academic future of millions of students at stake, Sunday’s NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is expected to be one of the most closely monitored entrance tests ever conducted in the country.
