Union Home Secretary directs States to secure NEET UG re-exam

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has activated a comprehensive, multi-agency security apparatus to ensure the flawless conduct of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, following the earlier cancellation of the May 3 test due to widespread paper leak allegations. Mohan, in a high-level review meeting on June 15, directed state governments, Union Territories, and central agencies to enforce stringent security protocols and facilitate seamless travel for millions of aspiring medical students. This urgent directive comes amidst intense national scrutiny over the integrity of India's premier medical entrance exam, with the Central Bureau of Investigation actively probing a sophisticated paper leak network that led to multiple arrests, including insiders from the National Testing Agency. The Supreme Court of India has sharply criticized the NTA for its repeated 'exam irregularities,' emphasizing the traumatic impact on students and their families and demanding immediate accountability and systemic reforms. As admit cards for the re-examination were released, with some candidates reporting technical glitches, the NTA and the Ministry of Education are under immense pressure to restore public trust. Authorities have deployed unprecedented measures, including airlifting question papers by the Indian Air Force and utilizing elite Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force personnel for security, underscoring the high stakes involved in safeguarding this critical educational gateway.