Big Security Grid For NEET-UG Re-Test

As a nationwide mock drill was conducted and security tightened at the NTA headquarters in New Delhi, the agency said it was fully prepared to conduct a “fair, secure and candidate-friendly” examination and restore confidence in the country's largest medical entrance test.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a series of review meetings with senior officials to assess preparedness and oversee arrangements for the re-examination.

The test will be conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas locations. Candidates eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to write the examination until 6.20 pm. Students have been instructed to report between 11 am and 1.30 pm, with entry gates closing sharply at 1.30 pm.

The examination will be held in English and 12 Indian languages across more than 95,000 examination rooms. According to the NTA, all rooms have been equipped with CCTV surveillance, taking the total number of cameras installed across centres to 1,38,560.

The CCTV feeds will be monitored simultaneously from national, state and ministry-level control rooms. AI-based systems will analyse footage in real time to detect suspicious activity and flag potential irregularities.

To prevent electronic cheating, the agency has deployed 51,311 signal jammers, including 17,054 supplied by Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and 34,257 by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

Security measures have been significantly strengthened following the controversy surrounding the May 3 examination. For the first time, the Indian Air Force has been engaged in transporting question papers as part of an enhanced security protocol. Examination materials are being moved in GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while confidential documents remain under sealed custody.

More than 6,600 observers have been deployed across the country, supported by over 100 virtual observers monitoring CCTV feeds centrally. Each examination room will have two invigilators, while every centre has been assigned additional examination staff.

A dedicated Centre Systems Officer (CSO) has been stationed at each of the 5,440 centres to monitor surveillance systems and address technical issues.

Candidate verification procedures have also been strengthened. The NTA has deployed 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric verification staff. Biometric verification capacity has been doubled and integrated with face-authentication systems to minimise impersonation while reducing waiting times.

The agency said extensive coordination had taken place with state governments and district administrations. Around 674 city coordinators are overseeing local arrangements, while district authorities have confirmed readiness at all centres.
Banking and postal networks have also been integrated into the security framework. Officials have been deployed at nearly 1,500 bank branches safeguarding confidential examination material, while the Department of Posts will oversee the collection of OMR sheets from around 700 centres nationwide.

On Saturday, a nationwide mock drill tested CCTV systems, jammers, biometric equipment and frisking arrangements. Coordinators also verified the availability and security of examination materials stored in custodian banks.
Several states have announced support measures, including free transportation through state-run bus services to help candidates reach examination centres on time.

The NTA said candidate-centric facilities had also been arranged in view of the summer heat. Centres have been equipped with drinking water, ORS, sanitation facilities, power backup, adequate lighting and fans. Ambulances and medical teams have been stationed at centres, while shaded waiting areas have been created for parents and guardians.
Additional rough-work sheets will be provided to candidates, and left-handed students will receive specially designed answer booklets. Wall clocks have been installed in all examination rooms.

Candidates are permitted to carry transparent water bottles, while diabetic students may bring fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges, along with sugar tablets, in accordance with NTA guidelines.

Meanwhile, the agency said it was closely monitoring social media platforms and taking action against individuals spreading rumours about paper leaks or circulating fake question papers and answer keys. Candidates and parents have been advised to rely only on official communication channels, including the NTA’s verified WhatsApp channel.
The government has also temporarily restricted access to Telegram, with the NTA stating that the move was aimed at curbing cheating networks and preventing the circulation of unauthorised examination-related content.