The Indian Air Force will play a key role in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, providing logistical support for the transportation of question papers across the country. The move comes as authorities seek to restore confidence in the national medical entrance examination after the original test was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak.
Defence sources said Air Force aircraft will transport examination packets from multiple locations to ensure that question papers reach designated centres securely and on time. The retest is scheduled to be held on June 21 and is being viewed as one of the most closely monitored examinations in recent years.
Massive logistical exercise ahead of retest
According to News 18, the re-examination will be conducted across hundreds of centres in India and several locations abroad, making logistics a major challenge. To address concerns surrounding the secure movement of question papers, authorities have turned to the Air Force for support.
Sources indicated that aircraft will carry examination packets from 18 locations, significantly reducing transit risks and ensuring faster delivery. The armed forces are also prepared to extend additional assistance if required during the examination process.
The involvement of the Air Force underlines the seriousness with which the government and examination authorities are approaching the retest following the controversy that engulfed the original examination.
NTA begins final preparations
According to News 18, the National Testing Agency has already begun the final phase of preparations for the examination. On Sunday, it released exam city intimation slips, allowing candidates to check the city where they have been allotted a centre.
The agency clarified that these slips are not admit cards and are meant only to inform students about the location of their examination city. Admit cards will be issued separately in the coming days.
The examination will be conducted in offline mode and is scheduled to take place during a single afternoon session. Candidates have been advised to regularly monitor official NTA platforms for further updates and instructions.
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Fallout of the paper leak allegations
According to News 18, the decision to hold a retest followed widespread allegations that the original NEET-UG examination had been compromised. The examination, initially conducted in May, was subsequently cancelled as questions emerged about the integrity of the process.
The matter is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the alleged leak and examining the network behind it. The retest is intended to provide a fair opportunity to candidates and rebuild trust in the country's most important medical entrance examination.
