The Centre is considering deploying the Indian Air Force (IAF) to transport question papers for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21, following the nationwide controversy over alleged paper leaks. The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
According to officials, the government is working on a “whole-of-government approach” to strengthen the examination process, including paper printing, storage, transportation and centre-level security. The Indian Air Force may assist in ensuring time-bound and leak-proof delivery of confidential question papers across the country.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Earlier examinations relied heavily on the postal department, the Home Ministry and state governments for logistics, but the June re-exam requires stronger security arrangements due to the recent controversy. He added that weather conditions and transportation challenges in June were also factors behind considering IAF support.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the original NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 after investigations suggested that several questions resembling the actual paper had circulated before the test. The re-examination will now be conducted under heightened surveillance and multi-layered security protocols.
Reports also indicate that the Prime Minister’s Office is closely monitoring preparations for the re-exam. Officials are reviewing contingency plans, coordination between agencies and additional safeguards to restore trust among more than 22 lakh NEET aspirants expected to appear for the test.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticised the proposal, with some questioning whether involving the military reflects deeper failures in the examination system. Despite the criticism, the Centre maintains that extraordinary measures are necessary to ensure a free and fair examination process.