Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 21: More than 22 lac candidates appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday amid unprecedented security arrangements, as authorities made extensive preparations to ensure a fair and transparent test following the controversy surrounding the earlier examination.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) deployed a multi-layer security system involving CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, signal jammers, cyber monitoring and police deployment across examination centres to protect the integrity of the medical entrance examination.
Over 13.8 lakh CCTV cameras have been installed at centres to maintain continuous monitoring. Authorities have also strengthened intelligence gathering and cyber surveillance to track suspicious activities, misinformation campaigns and attempts to circulate fake examination material online.
In a first for a national-level entrance examination, Artificial Intelligence-based systems are being used to monitor CCTV feeds from centres in real time. The Indian Air Force has also been involved in assisting with secure transportation of confidential examination materials to sensitive locations.
Ahead of the re-examination, access to Telegram was temporarily restricted across India until June 22 as part of measures to prevent the spread of fake paper leak claims and misinformation related to the test.
Police personnel were deployed at examination venues, while special teams were assigned responsibility for secure movement and handling of question papers and answer sheets. Several states also conducted preparedness reviews and mock drills to avoid any security lapses.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the government had taken strict measures to ensure that issues linked to the earlier examination were not repeated. State governments also assured candidates and parents of a smooth and transparent examination process.
Authorities in states including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh coordinated with education departments, district administrations and police agencies to maintain security.
Special arrangements were made for students and parents amid rising temperatures in several parts of the country. In Delhi, cooling zones were created at all 97 examination centres with facilities including drinking water, ORS, lemonade, first aid and medical assistance for parents waiting outside.
The Delhi government also allowed free travel for NEET candidates in DTC buses on production of valid admit cards. Several states arranged help desks, emergency medical facilities and transport support at railway stations and bus terminals.
The NTA intensified monitoring of social media platforms and messaging applications following reports of fake claims regarding paper leaks. Officials warned candidates against fraudulent groups promising question papers in exchange for money.
The agency said several online groups were spreading false information and misleading students. Authorities have identified and blocked multiple Telegram channels allegedly involved in spreading fake examination-related content and warned of strict action against those attempting to compromise the examination process.
Meanwhile, a controversy emerged on the eve of the exam after a Nagpur-based candidate claimed he was allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi despite applying from India.
The NTA rejected allegations of a technical error and said records showed that the examination city preference had been viewed and modified during the application process. The agency later facilitated a change of centre and maintained that the allotment was not due to a system failure.
The re-examination is being viewed as a major test for both candidates and authorities, with lakhs of students seeking admission to medical colleges.
With nationwide security measures, AI-based surveillance, cyber monitoring and strict logistics arrangements in place, officials expressed hope that the examination would conclude smoothly and restore confidence in the NEET examination system.