Srinagar- More than 22.79 lakh medical aspirants will appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday amid unprecedented security arrangements, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) deploying over 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras, 51,000 jammers and more than two lakh personnel to ensure the fair and transparent conduct of the country’s largest medical entrance test.
The re-examination is being conducted nearly seven weeks after the original test held on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak that sparked nationwide protests, political controversy and legal challenges.
Ahead of the examination, a nationwide mock drill was conducted on Saturday to test security systems, CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, frisking arrangements and jammer functionality across examination centres.
The examination will be conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. Candidates eligible for compensatory time under the PwD/PwBD category will be allowed to continue till 6.20 pm.
The NTA has directed candidates to report between 11 am and 1.30 pm, warning that entry gates will close sharply at 1.30 pm and no candidate will be allowed inside thereafter.
In a statement, the agency said it has put in place “comprehensive arrangements” to ensure a “fair, secure and candidate-friendly” conduct of the examination.
As part of the extensive surveillance network, more than 95,000 examination rooms have been equipped with CCTV cameras. A total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras have been installed, with live feeds monitored at national, state and ministry levels. The footage will also be analysed through artificial intelligence-based tools to detect anomalies and suspicious activities.
To prevent electronic malpractice, 51,311 jammers have been deployed across centres. The security apparatus also includes Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, face authentication systems and strengthened frisking procedures.
The NTA said 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric verification staff have been deployed, while biometric manpower has been doubled to ensure smooth verification and reduce waiting time for candidates.
Each examination room will have two invigilators, while every centre has been assigned more than ten additional functionaries. Around 6,700 observers and over 100 virtual observers will monitor the examination process, supported by Centre Systems Officers deployed at each centre to oversee CCTV systems and address technical issues.
According to the agency, an average of 40 to 50 security personnel have been stationed at every centre. Police, paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force and the Department of Posts have been mobilised for secure transportation and handling of confidential examination material.
The NTA said examination materials are being transported through GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while confidential documents are being handled under sealed security protocols.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has chaired a series of high-level review meetings with senior officials in recent days to assess preparedness and monitor arrangements for the re-examination.
The government has also temporarily restricted access to Telegram, with officials stating that the measure was aimed at curbing cheating rackets and preventing the spread of misinformation related to the examination.
The NTA has simultaneously launched a verified WhatsApp channel to provide authentic updates and has cautioned candidates against believing rumours regarding leaked question papers, answer keys or paid services circulating on social media platforms.
Several states have announced support measures for candidates, including free transportation through state-run bus services to ensure timely access to examination centres.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also directed medical colleges and institutions not to grant leave to students on June 20 and 21 except under exceptional circumstances, citing concerns arising from instances where medical students were allegedly involved in activities that compromised examination integrity.
To help candidates cope with prevailing summer conditions, the NTA said centres have been equipped with drinking water facilities, ORS, sanitation arrangements, ambulances, medical support, adequate lighting and power backup systems. Shaded waiting areas and seating arrangements have also been made available for parents accompanying candidates.
Every examination room will have a wall clock and additional rough-work sheets, including provisions designed for the convenience of left-handed candidates.
Candidates will be allowed to carry a transparent water bottle inside examination centres. Diabetic candidates may also bring sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges in accordance with NTA guidelines.
The agency has advised candidates wearing customary or religious attire, as well as those opting for full-sleeved clothing, to report well in advance to facilitate security checks.
The NTA urged candidates and parents to rely only on official communications and cooperate with authorities to ensure that the examination is conducted smoothly, fairly and without disruption.
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