IAF to Transport NEET-UG 2026 Question Papers Amidst Enhanced Security

In response to significant allegations of a paper leak that led to the cancellation of the original examination, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been engaged to transport the question papers for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, scheduled for June 21, 2026. This measure is part of an unprecedented overhaul of security protocols by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure a fair, transparent, and leak-proof examination process for over 2.2 million medical aspirants. The decision to involve the IAF stems from a high-level meeting attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior officials, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to restoring confidence in the examination system. The IAF will be responsible for airlifting examination materials from 18 locations across the country to various Air Force stations, from where they will be securely transported to the examination centres. This move is intended to bolster logistics and minimize transit risks, especially in regions that may be challenging to access. The NTA has implemented a multi-layered security framework for the re-test, which includes stringent confidentiality measures during question paper preparation, handling, and storage. Experts involved in setting, moderating, and translating the question papers have been placed under strict isolation in secure, undisclosed locations, with their access to communication devices and the internet severely restricted until the examination concludes. This isolation forms the first layer of a comprehensive security plan. Furthermore, examination centres will be equipped with advanced technological surveillance, including AI-enabled CCTV systems, biometric verification, and facial recognition technology, to prevent impersonation and detect any suspicious activities in real-time. Mobile signal jammers and enhanced frisking procedures will also be deployed to curb the use of electronic devices. Police forces and district administrations nationwide have been instructed to collaborate closely with NTA officials to ensure seamless security arrangements. The original NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, 2026, was cancelled on May 12, 2026, following widespread allegations of a paper leak, which included claims of overlaps between a circulated 'guess paper' and the actual exam questions. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a thorough investigation into the matter, leading to several arrests and uncovering a suspected multi-state cheating syndicate. The re-examination is scheduled to take place in pen-and-paper mode from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. Candidates have been issued city intimation slips, with admit cards expected by June 14, 2026. The NTA has also been actively combating misinformation, dismissing reports of further leaks as false and fraudulent, and warning of strict action against those spreading such content. The agency is also monitoring social media platforms to counter fake news effectively. This entire security overhaul, including the use of the IAF for paper transport and stringent isolation of examination personnel, signifies the government's determination to restore the credibility of national-level entrance examinations, particularly in the wake of recurring controversies. The focus is on creating a 'zero-trust architecture' where processes are prioritized over individual access, aiming to prevent future leaks at every stage of the examination cycle. The Supreme Court has also taken note of the recurring issues, emphasizing the need for structural reforms within the NTA and fixing individual accountability to prevent future controversies. The court is hearing petitions seeking reforms in the NTA's functioning and a more robust examination process. With over 2.2 million candidates affected by the cancellation and subsequent re-examination, the NTA and government bodies are striving to ensure a fair and transparent process, aiming to rebuild trust among students and parents.

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