The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday conducted a nationwide mock drill across exam centres as part of final preparations for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, even as states and central agencies stepped up multi-layered security arrangements to ensure a fair, transparent and leak-free conduct of the test scheduled for Sunday.
More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the medical entrance exam, which will be held from 2 pm to 5:15 pm in pen-and-paper mode across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.
The mock drill, which began at 9 am, involved exam centre simulation, security checks and coordination among agencies. Over 2.5 lakh personnel are reportedly engaged in examination-related duties nationwide.
Candidates have been instructed to report between 11 am and 1:30 pm, with entry gates closing strictly at 1:30 pm. PwD candidates eligible for compensatory time will be allowed until 6:20 pm.
Mock drill, security framework in place
The NTA said a multi-layered security system has been activated, including CCTV surveillance, Aadhaar-based biometric verification and GPS-enabled escort vehicles for transport of question papers.
In an unprecedented move, the Indian Air Force is being used for secure transportation of examination materials in certain sensitive routes. More than 6,600 observers and 674 city coordinators have been deployed for independent monitoring.
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has chaired multiple review meetings to assess preparedness, while district administrations and police forces have been tasked with ensuring secure logistics.
The agency also launched a verified WhatsApp channel for official updates and warned candidates against rumours of paper leaks or fake answer keys circulating on social media. A dedicated portal has also been set up to report suspicious activity.
Several states have arranged free or subsidised transport for candidates to ensure smooth access to exam centres.
States tighten on-ground security
States including Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand have confirmed enhanced arrangements for the re-exam.
Officials in Bhopal said 32 centres are being monitored with a two-layer security system involving police outside and agency personnel inside. CCTV surveillance, jammers and biometric scanning have been deployed at all centres.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the administration said coordination with police and NTA officials has been strengthened to enforce SOP compliance. In Dehradun, police have deployed inspector-level officers at each centre, along with escort teams for question paper transport.
Authorities reiterated that strict checks, frisking and real-time monitoring will be in place throughout the examination process.
Biometric verification, CCTV expansion, transport support
Sources said additional CCTV cameras have been installed at multiple centres, including 97 locations in Delhi, with 24x7 monitoring systems activated.
Under the upgraded ‘Digi-Exam’ framework, biometric verification has been made mandatory for candidates and staff, along with enhanced identity checks across the examination chain.
Central forces including the CISF and CRPF have been deployed at sensitive centres to strengthen perimeter security and safeguard the chain of custody of examination materials.
The NTA has also extended the exam duration to 195 minutes and redesigned question booklets with improved rough work pages based on candidate feedback.
To ease logistical stress, several states—including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Delhi—have announced free or subsidised travel for candidates. Delhi Transport Corporation has also offered free bus services on exam day.
The re-examination was ordered after allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in the May 3 NEET-UG exam, prompting a CBI probe and arrests in the case.
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