NTA to Conduct Full-Scale Mock Drill Ahead of Re-NEET UG 2026
With the re-conducted NEET UG 2026 examination scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a secure, transparent, and smoothly executed test. As part of its final preparations, the agency will run a comprehensive mock drill on Saturday, simulating the entire examination process to identify and resolve any potential bottlenecks before the real event.
Massive Security Deployment Across Examination Centres
In a significant escalation of security measures, more than 5,500 examination centres across the country have been transformed into highly fortified zones. The NTA has assigned a substantial force of approximately 250,000 police personnel to oversee the security arrangements at these locations. This large-scale deployment underscores the agency’s commitment to conducting a leak-proof and fair examination.
Beyond the police force, the responsibility of transporting question papers to centres and safely retrieving answer sheets has been entrusted to 15,000 paramilitary personnel. To further strengthen surveillance, an additional 150,000 cameras and 15,000 signal jammers have been installed at various exam venues, ensuring airtight monitoring and preventing any electronic malpractice.
Mock Drill to Replicate the Full Examination Process
According to Abhishek Singh, Director General of the NTA, the mock drill is scheduled to take place from 9 AM to 8 PM on Saturday. During this period, every step of the examination procedure will be replicated, involving all key stakeholders, including police, paramilitary forces, district administration officials, and all personnel assigned to duty. This rehearsal is designed to test the coordination between different agencies and ensure that every individual is well-versed with their specific roles and responsibilities on the day of the exam.
Three-Tier Security Cordon for Enhanced Vigilance
In a notable departure from previous years, the NTA has implemented a robust three-tier security cordon for this examination. A senior official explained that earlier exams typically had a single security layer. However, in light of past incidents of paper leaks and irregularities, a more comprehensive system has been devised:
- Outer Perimeter: Managed by the District Magistrate’s team, this layer handles the area surrounding the examination centres.
- Middle Perimeter: This layer is the responsibility of state-level police forces, overseeing security at the district and regional level.
- Inner Perimeter: The most critical layer, located inside the examination centres, is managed by a special security team appointed by the central government.
These three distinct security rings will have separate, live CCTV monitoring. The primary objective of this multi-layered approach is to ensure that no personnel at any level can compromise the security protocol. Clear responsibilities have been assigned to all officials, and any negligence found during the process will lead to strict disciplinary action against the concerned government employees and officers.
Transport Assistance and Candidate Support
Recognizing the logistical challenges for candidates, several state governments have stepped forward to provide transportation assistance on the day of the exam. States including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh have confirmed they will facilitate transport services for students. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that no candidate faces difficulty in reaching their allotted examination centre on time.
Admit Cards Downloaded and Candidate Comfort Measures
With the exam just two days away, over 1.8 million candidates have already downloaded their admit cards. To assist students with their travel planning, the NTA had issued the advance city intimation slips ten days prior, allowing them to check the distance to their exam centre and plan their commute in advance.
During a meeting with chief secretaries of various states, the NTA emphasized the importance of providing a comfortable and safe examination environment. Key issues such as the availability of drinking water, uninterrupted power supply with generator backup, and the provision of portable toilets where necessary were addressed. Furthermore, arrangements for first aid and ambulance services have been made for emergency medical assistance. Recognizing the needs of students with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, arrangements for light snacks have also been put in place at the centres.
Record Registration and Centre Allocation
This year’s re-examination has seen a record 22.80 lakh students register for the test. Of these, approximately 3.5 lakh students have successfully changed their preferred examination city or centre. The examination will be conducted across 5,500 centres in 551 cities within India, as well as at 14 centres located in other countries. The NTA has confirmed that 100% of candidates have been allocated their first-choice examination centre, a move aimed at reducing stress and travel burden for students.
