The National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out a comprehensive security and monitoring framework for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, scheduled for today, June 21. This re-test follows the cancellation of the original National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) held on May 3, amidst widespread allegations of a paper leak.
Massive Surveillance and Jammer Deployment
The re-examination is being conducted across 5,440 centres in 551 cities within India and an additional 14 centres abroad, with more than 22 lakh aspirants expected to participate. To ensure the integrity of the test, the NTA has equipped over 95,000 examination rooms with CCTV surveillance, installing a total of 1,38,560 cameras. Live feeds from these cameras are being monitored virtually at national, state, and ministry levels.
To combat electronic malpractice, 51,311 jammers have been deployed across all centres. These jammers were supplied by key public sector undertakings, with 17,054 from Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and 34,257 from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Enhanced Biometric Verification and Personnel
Candidate verification procedures have been significantly strengthened. The NTA has deployed 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric verification staff. The agency confirmed that biometric manpower has been doubled and is supported by face authentication technology to ensure thorough verification while minimizing queues. Each examination room features two invigilators, and every centre is staffed with more than 10 additional examination functionaries. A Centre Systems Officer (CSO) has also been assigned to each of the 5,440 centres to oversee CCTV feeds and resolve any technical issues promptly.
Extensive Logistical Mobilization
The security operation for the examination involves extensive collaboration with state and district administration personnel, police forces, paramilitary units, Indian Air Force staff, and Department of Posts officials. On average, 40 to 50 security personnel are stationed at each examination centre. Bank officials have been deployed at approximately 1,500 branches responsible for holding confidential examination material. The Department of Posts will coordinate the collection of OMR sheets through nearly 700 collection centres nationwide. Prior to the examination, review meetings were held with chief secretaries and senior officials across all states, and a nationwide mock drill was conducted to test all security systems.
Candidate-Friendly Measures and Warning Against Rumors
The examination timing has been revised to 2 pm to 5:15 pm, extending the previous three-hour schedule by 15 minutes to accommodate enhanced entry formalities. Centres have been equipped with student-friendly facilities such as drinking water, ORS, ambulances, and shaded waiting areas for parents. Additional provisions include wall clocks in every examination room, extra rough-work pages, and dedicated pages at the beginning of question booklets for left-handed candidates.
The NTA is actively monitoring social media to counter rumor-mongering and fraudulent claims of paper leaks, urging students and parents to rely solely on official communications to avoid unnecessary stress. The agency appeals for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a calm, secure, and supportive environment for all 22 lakh aspirants.