- By Shubham Bajpai
- Thu, 28 May 2026 10:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Centre is considering turning to the armed forces for logistical requirements to conduct the re-NEET on June 21, a first for any national entrance test.
The plan is reportedly being made to conduct an error-free and transparent examination for over 22 lakh aspirants after the original examination was marred by malpractice and paper leak, and hence cancellation.
On Thursday, a high-level meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other senior ministers, along with the officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA), a body tasked with conducting the national medical entrance test.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the entire examination chain, starting from question paper setting to transportation and security, was reviewed in the meeting.
The report cited a senior NTA official saying that the army and potentially the air force may provide logistical support, coordination and secure transportation only.
"NEET-UG is the biggest pan-India level offline exam involving over 2.2 million students. We will take help from the Army in logistics wherever they can help us. With limited time remaining for the exam, the Air Force can help us in the delivery of question papers in adverse weather conditions like rain, storms, etc. Not just the Army, the home ministry, state governments, Information Technology ministry, post department, the civil aviation and the ministry of external affairs are helping us in conducting the re-exam on June 21. We want to ensure an error-free and smooth exam," he was quoted as saying by HT.
The NEET-UG paper leak has triggered major backlash for the government, the education ministry, Pradhan, and NTA officials. From students to political leaders and parents, all raised questions on the effectiveness and efficiency of the system in conducting the examination.
The Centre soon tasked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case in detail. The central probe agency has arrested 13 people in the case so far. including teachers, people linked to coaching centres, students and others.