New Delhi: The Centre is exploring the possibility of involving the armed forces in providing logistical support for the upcoming NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, as authorities seek to ensure the integrity and security of the examination process following the paper leak controversy that led to the cancellation of the earlier test.
According to government sources, the proposed involvement of defence assets would be limited to the secure transportation and handling of question papers, aimed at preventing any recurrence of irregularities and restoring public confidence in the country’s largest medical entrance examination.
The issue was reportedly discussed during a high-level meeting on NEET preparedness held at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Sources indicated that deliberations focused on strengthening security protocols across the entire examination chain, including question paper preparation, printing, storage, transportation and distribution to examination centres nationwide.
With the credibility of the examination process under intense public scrutiny, the government is said to be adopting a multi-layered security framework to safeguard the re-test. Officials are reportedly examining several measures, including enhanced monitoring mechanisms and tighter coordination among central agencies.
Sources further stated that the Prime Minister’s Office is closely overseeing preparations for the examination, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being regularly briefed on developments. The government is keen to ensure a transparent, fair and disruption-free conduct of the re-examination, which is expected to be closely watched by students, parents and educational institutions across the country.
An official announcement regarding the extent of defence logistics support, if approved, is expected in the coming days.
(Image used for representation purpose only)
