The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination today, marking a significant logistical and security challenge. Approximately 22 lakh candidates are expected to participate in this high-stakes medical entrance test. To ensure the integrity of the examination, the NTA has implemented stringent security arrangements across all designated centers. On average, 40 to 50 security personnel have been deployed at each examination center to maintain order and prevent any unauthorized activities. Also, to safeguard confidential examination materials, officials have been stationed at approximately 1,500 bank branches across the country.
Extensive Infrastructure and Global Reach
The NEET-UG 2026 exam is being held at 5,440 examination centers within India and 14 centers located in foreign cities. In total, the examination spans 551 Indian cities. The test is being administered in English and 12 other Indian languages to accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the candidates. To facilitate this massive exercise, more than 95,000 examination rooms have been prepared. Each of these rooms is equipped with CCTV surveillance to ensure constant monitoring of the proceedings. A total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras have been installed, with monitoring taking place at the national, state, and ministry levels.
Advanced Technological Surveillance
In a bid to prevent cheating and electronic interference, the NTA has deployed 51,311 jammers across the centers. The CCTV footage won't only be monitored manually but will also undergo AI-based analysis to detect any suspicious behavior. To further strengthen the security web, the NTA has employed a massive workforce of over 2 lakh employees. This includes 674 city coordinators and 6,669 observers who are physically present at the centers. On top of that, more than 100 virtual observers are monitoring the process remotely. Every examination room is staffed with 2 invigilators to maintain strict supervision.
Strict Identification and Logistics
To eliminate the possibility of impersonation, an Aadhaar-based biometric system has been implemented. This is complemented by face authentication and a dedicated team of 48,448 biometric verification personnel. For physical security, 38,795 frisking staff members have been appointed to check candidates before they enter the halls. Each of the 5,440 centers has a designated Centre Systems Officer (CSO) to manage technical operations. The logistics of transporting question papers are being handled with GPS tracking and police escorts to prevent any leaks. After the exam, OMR sheets will be collected at approximately 700 collection centers nationwide.
Candidate Welfare and Mock Drills
Recognizing the pressure on students, the NTA has provided several facilities at the centers. These include drinking water, ORS, and ambulance services for emergencies. Shaded waiting areas have been set up for parents. Inside the halls, wall clocks have been installed in every room, and candidates are being provided with additional pages for rough work. The entry process has been streamlined, and the examination duration has been adjusted to account for the time taken during security checks. A nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20 to test all systems. The NTA has also cautioned candidates against falling for rumors or fake paper leak claims on social media, advising them to rely solely on official communications.