NEET-UG re-exam today; over 22 lakh candidates set to take test under heavy security

NEET-UG re-exam: The Centre and state administrations have rolled out an extensive security apparatus ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, deploying multi-layered policing, electronic surveillance and intelligence monitoring across the country to safeguard the integrity of one of India's largest entrance tests.

More than 22.79 lakh candidates are slated to take the examination at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 locations overseas.

The elaborate arrangements come after concerns over irregularities in the earlier examination, prompting authorities to strengthen protocols governing the handling of question papers, candidate verification and monitoring of examination centres.


Union minister Ramdas Athawale said the government had adopted stringent safeguards to eliminate the possibility of malpractice and ensure strict action against those found violating the rules.

He acknowledged the inconvenience caused to students by the need for a fresh examination while expressing hope that the revised framework would ensure a fair and transparent process.

In Uttar Pradesh, deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the administration was focused on conducting the examination in an orderly manner and preventing any recurrence of previous lapses.

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Law enforcement agencies across the state have intensified preparations. In Lucknow, police have established a three-tier deployment model covering transportation of confidential examination material, security at test centres and candidate screening.

Officials said only admit cards, valid identity documents and photographs would be permitted inside centres, while pens would be supplied to candidates in accordance with prescribed guidelines.

The police have also activated intelligence units and stepped up surveillance of social media platforms to identify attempts to spread misinformation or disrupt the examination.

Known offenders linked to examination-related misconduct are being monitored as part of the preventive strategy.

In Gautam Buddha Nagar, where 23 centres have been designated for the test, authorities have enforced restrictions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to maintain public order and arranged additional traffic management around examination venues.

Inspections of facilities have confirmed the installation of CCTV cameras and jammers intended to curb unfair practices.

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Varanasi, which expects around 25,000 candidates across 47 centres, has deployed additional personnel at railway stations, bus terminals and examination locations.

Police teams are also conducting checks at cyber cafés and photocopy outlets while maintaining surveillance over individuals associated with previous examination violations.

Karnataka has completed preparations at centres in districts including Kalaburagi and Bagalkot, where CCTV systems, jammers and frisking protocols have been put in place.

District authorities said examination staff and security personnel had been briefed, with arrangements for basic facilities such as drinking water also completed. Bagalkot alone will host 3,967 candidates across 11 centres.

Delhi Police carried out security reviews at designated venues in the national capital, while Haryana's Ambala district has deployed around 270 police personnel across seven examination centres and established multiple checkpoints to facilitate traffic management and maintain security.

Similar preparedness measures have been reported from Gujarat, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh.

Officials in Rajkot and Vadodara said inspections of strong rooms and examination centres had been completed and security personnel assigned to oversee the movement of confidential material.

In Agartala, district authorities confirmed that all requirements laid down by the National Testing Agency had been fulfilled, with central and state security forces deployed to support the exercise.

Authorities across states said the examination would be conducted under enhanced surveillance, backed by strict frisking procedures, continuous monitoring systems and coordinated policing, as the administration seeks to reinforce public confidence in the country's medical entrance examination process.