New Delhi, June 21: The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) re-examination commenced at 2 PM on Sunday amid extensive security arrangements at examination centres across India and abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are eligible to appear for the medical entrance examination, which is being conducted at 5,440 centres in 551 cities nationwide and 14 international locations.
To ensure the integrity of the examination, candidates underwent stringent entry procedures, including frisking and screening through metal detectors before being allowed into the centres.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has put in place a comprehensive security framework to prevent any irregularities. All examination rooms are under continuous CCTV surveillance, while signal-jamming devices supplied by Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have been installed to curb unauthorised communication.
Each examination room is staffed by two invigilators, with more than ten officials deployed at every centre. The large-scale security operation includes nearly 38,800 frisking personnel, over 48,400 biometric verification staff for facial authentication, around 6,700 observers, more than 100 virtual observers, and an average of 40 to 50 security personnel stationed at each venue.
Logistical security has also been strengthened with support from state police forces, paramilitary personnel, the Indian Air Force, and the Department of Posts. Confidential examination materials were verified and secured through designated custodian banks before distribution.
The NTA has additionally taken several measures to ensure the comfort and well-being of candidates. Drinking water, ORS packets, ambulances, shaded waiting areas, and seating arrangements for accompanying parents have been provided at centres. Examination rooms are equipped with wall clocks and additional rough sheets, including special provisions for left-handed candidates. Extra time has also been allotted to compensate for the enhanced security and verification procedures.
Several state governments have extended support to candidates. The Delhi government established dedicated cooling zones outside centres to help candidates and guardians cope with the summer heat, while the governments of Odisha and Uttarakhand offered free bus travel facilities to ease transportation to examination venues.
At some centres, including those in Raichur, candidates were instructed to remove chains and other prohibited accessories before entering the examination halls. Authorities carried out thorough verification and security checks to ensure a smooth and transparent conduct of the examination.
Highlighting the elaborate arrangements in Indore, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Security-I) Priti Tiwari said all examination materials were being transported under tight security, with comprehensive traffic and law-and-order arrangements in place. She added that the city had been divided into four security zones, with Deputy Commissioners of Police overseeing operations and monitoring the movement of examination-related materials.
The re-examination was ordered following the alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency has already made multiple arrests in connection with the case as it continues its probe.
