NEET re-test on June 21: Home Secretary reviews security, state preparedness

Govind Mohan reviewed security and travel arrangements for the June 21 NEET re-examination. The meeting focused on flawless conduct across states after the cancelled May 3 test.

In Short

• Senior officials from education, health and security agencies joined the review
• States and Union Territories were asked to ease candidates' travel to centres
• Railway Board assured full cooperation for transport arrangements during the re-test

With the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, the Centre on Monday conducted a high-level review of preparedness across states and Union Territories.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired the meeting to assess arrangements, with a special focus on student convenience, security measures and maintaining the integrity of the examination process. The review comes weeks after the original NEET examination, held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of large-scale irregularities.

SECURITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE

During the meeting, the Home Secretary directed all agencies to ensure that security protocols are followed strictly and that the examination is conducted without any lapses.

Senior officials from multiple departments participated in the review, including representatives from the National Testing Agency (NTA), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Higher Education, Department of School Education and Literacy, Department of Posts, CRPF, CISF, BCAS and the Railway Board.

The broad participation reflected the Centre's effort to coordinate every aspect of the examination, from security to logistics.

FOCUS ON STUDENT CONVENIENCE

Apart from security, the Centre also reviewed travel arrangements for candidates.

States and Union Territories were requested to facilitate smooth movement of students travelling to examination centres. The Chairman of the Railway Board assured full cooperation in ensuring transport arrangements for candidates appearing in the re-test.

The government has repeatedly stressed that the examination should be conducted smoothly while minimising inconvenience for the lakhs of aspirants set to appear.

WHY THE RE-EXAM IS BEING HELD

The original NEET (UG) 2026 examination was conducted on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates registered.

According to the NTA, information regarding alleged malpractice surfaced on May 7 and was immediately shared with central agencies for verification. The examination was subsequently cancelled.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since arrested several accused, including paper setters, translators and middlemen allegedly involved in leaking examination material. The agency is continuing its investigation into the case, which follows allegations of paper leaks that also surfaced during the 2024 NEET examination in Jharkhand and Bihar.

(With PTI inputs)

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