Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Over 22 lakh candidates will appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday from 2 pm to 5.15 pm amid unprecedented security measures, with authorities leaving little room for error after the controversy surrounding the earlier test.
From 13.8 lakh CCTV cameras and biometric verification to signal jammers, cyber surveillance and multi-layer police deployment, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out one of the most extensive examination security operations ever undertaken to safeguard the credibility of India’s premier medical entrance examination.
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SECURITY APPARATUS ON HIGHEST ALERT
Determined to restore confidence in the examination process, the NTA has deployed a multi-layer security system that includes extensive CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, strict frisking procedures, signal jammers and real-time monitoring of examination centres.
According to official arrangements, over 13.8 lakh CCTV cameras have been installed across centres to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. Authorities have also strengthened intelligence gathering and cyber monitoring mechanisms to track suspicious activities, misinformation campaigns and attempts to circulate fake examination material on social media platforms ahead of the test.
In a first-of-its-kind security exercise for a national entrance examination, Artificial Intelligence-powered systems are being used to monitor CCTV feeds from examination centres in real time. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also been roped in to assist in the secure transportation of confidential examination materials to sensitive locations, further strengthening the security architecture around the test.
In an unprecedented move to curb misinformation and prevent the spread of fake paper leak claims, authorities have temporarily blocked access to Telegram across India until June 22 ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
The restriction forms part of a broader security strategy that includes cyber surveillance, AI-enabled monitoring and intelligence tracking to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the examination.
Police personnel have been stationed at examination venues, while special teams have been tasked with the secure transportation and handling of question papers and answer sheets. Several states have conducted pre-examination reviews and mock preparedness drills to prevent any lapses during the conduct of the examination.
GOVERNMENT ASSURES FAIR AND TRANSPARENT EXAMINATION
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the government has taken stringent measures to ensure that the issues that overshadowed the earlier examination are not repeated. State governments have also assured candidates and parents that robust arrangements are in place to guarantee a smooth and transparent examination process.
Authorities across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and other states have intensified coordination among education departments, district administrations and police agencies to maintain security and order throughout the day.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES AND PARENTS
With temperatures remaining high in several parts of the country, special facilities have been created to assist candidates and accompanying family members.
In Delhi, the government has established cooling zones at all 97 examination centres, providing seating arrangements, drinking water, ORS, lemonade, first-aid facilities and medical assistance for parents waiting outside examination venues. The Delhi government has also allowed free travel for NEET candidates in DTC buses upon showing valid admit cards.
Authorities in multiple states have additionally arranged help desks, emergency medical support, drinking water facilities and dedicated transport assistance at railway stations and bus terminals to facilitate the movement of candidates.
CYBER SURVEILLANCE TO CURB MISINFORMATION
The NTA has intensified monitoring of social media platforms and messaging applications following reports of fake claims related to paper leaks. Officials have warned candidates against falling prey to fraudulent channels and individuals promising access to question papers in exchange for money.
The agency recently clarified that several online groups were spreading fabricated information and attempting to exploit students through fake paper leak claims. The crackdown has extended to messaging platforms as well, with authorities identifying and blocking multiple Telegram channels allegedly spreading false information related to the examination.
Officials said strict action would be taken against individuals or groups found circulating fake content, misleading candidates or attempting to compromise the integrity of the examination process.
ABU DHABI CENTRE ROW DRAWS ATTENTION
On the eve of the examination, a controversy emerged after a Nagpur-based candidate alleged that he had been allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi despite applying from India. The issue sparked concerns over centre allocation procedures and generated widespread discussion on social media.
The NTA, however, rejected claims of a technical glitch, stating that records showed 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 the result of a system error.
A CRUCIAL TEST FOR ASPIRANTS AND AUTHORITIES
As lakhs of students prepare to take one of the country’s most competitive entrance examinations, the re-test is being viewed not only as a crucial opportunity for aspirants seeking admission to medical colleges but also as a major test of the authorities’ ability to conduct a secure and credible examination.
With extensive surveillance, AI-enabled monitoring, IAF-backed logistics support, a crackdown on misinformation networks and nationwide security arrangements now in place, officials hope the re-examination will proceed smoothly and help restore confidence in India’s premier medical entrance examination system.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
