The Crossbill News Desk
In an unprecedented attempt to prevent another examination scandal, the Union government has brought the armed forces into the logistics chain for the upcoming NEET-UG re-test, following the cancellation of the original examination amid allegations of a question paper leak.
According to a report published by The Hindu on June 8, the Ministry of Defence has tasked the Indian Air Force with transporting the fresh question papers to 18 locations across the country ahead of the June 21 examination.
The move is part of a broader effort to restore confidence in one of India's most important entrance tests after the previous exam was scrapped last month.
The original NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3 and taken by more than 20 lakh aspirants seeking admission to medical colleges, was cancelled after reports emerged that the question paper had been leaked. The controversy triggered widespread anger among students and led to protests demanding accountability from the authorities responsible for conducting the examination.
Alongside the deployment of the Air Force, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has reportedly introduced extraordinary security measures during the preparation of the new question paper.
A Times of India report published on Monday said the experts responsible for drafting the examination have been “moved to a secure, undisclosed location and placed under strict isolation protocols” until the re-test is conducted on June 21.
According to the report, the paper-setters have effectively been placed under lockdown to minimise the possibility of any breach before the examination. Officials told the newspaper that every stage of the examination process, including question paper development, translation, moderation, printing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution, is now under “enhanced oversight”.
Once the papers are delivered by the Indian Air Force to designated locations, another “secure” distribution mechanism will be used to transport them to examination centres across the country.
Authorities have also intensified surveillance of digital platforms. The Times of India reported that agencies are conducting “the-clock monitoring of social media platforms, messaging applications and online forums to identify fake question papers, misinformation campaigns and suspicious activity”.
The government has already dismissed unverified claims circulating online that the new examination paper has been leaked even before the re-test.
“It is learnt that Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to ensure that every vulnerability identified in the earlier examination cycle is comprehensively addressed,” The Times of India said.
However, questions remain about whether logistical security measures alone can guarantee the integrity of the examination. The armed forces themselves have faced allegations of examination irregularities in the past.
In February 2026, allegations of cheating led to the arrest of 18 candidates in a military recruitment-related case. Earlier, allegations of a paper leak in 2017 resulted in the cancellation of Army recruitment board examinations at six centres.
Reports in 2021 also highlighted two bribery cases related to officers’ recruitment that were found to be genuine by the Indian Army.
The latest measures come amid sustained criticism of the NTA and the Education Ministry. Thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6 demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the NEET-UG paper leak and a series of examination-related controversies.
According to a report published by The Hindu on June 8, the Ministry of Defence has tasked the Indian Air Force with transporting the fresh question papers to 18 locations across the country ahead of the June 21 examination.
The move is part of a broader effort to restore confidence in one of India's most important entrance tests after the previous exam was scrapped last month.
The original NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3 and taken by more than 20 lakh aspirants seeking admission to medical colleges, was cancelled after reports emerged that the question paper had been leaked. The controversy triggered widespread anger among students and led to protests demanding accountability from the authorities responsible for conducting the examination.
Alongside the deployment of the Air Force, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has reportedly introduced extraordinary security measures during the preparation of the new question paper.
A Times of India report published on Monday said the experts responsible for drafting the examination have been “moved to a secure, undisclosed location and placed under strict isolation protocols” until the re-test is conducted on June 21.
According to the report, the paper-setters have effectively been placed under lockdown to minimise the possibility of any breach before the examination. Officials told the newspaper that every stage of the examination process, including question paper development, translation, moderation, printing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution, is now under “enhanced oversight”.
Once the papers are delivered by the Indian Air Force to designated locations, another “secure” distribution mechanism will be used to transport them to examination centres across the country.
Authorities have also intensified surveillance of digital platforms. The Times of India reported that agencies are conducting “the-clock monitoring of social media platforms, messaging applications and online forums to identify fake question papers, misinformation campaigns and suspicious activity”.
The government has already dismissed unverified claims circulating online that the new examination paper has been leaked even before the re-test.
“It is learnt that Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed officials to ensure that every vulnerability identified in the earlier examination cycle is comprehensively addressed,” The Times of India said.
However, questions remain about whether logistical security measures alone can guarantee the integrity of the examination. The armed forces themselves have faced allegations of examination irregularities in the past.
In February 2026, allegations of cheating led to the arrest of 18 candidates in a military recruitment-related case. Earlier, allegations of a paper leak in 2017 resulted in the cancellation of Army recruitment board examinations at six centres.
Reports in 2021 also highlighted two bribery cases related to officers’ recruitment that were found to be genuine by the Indian Army.
The latest measures come amid sustained criticism of the NTA and the Education Ministry. Thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6 demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the NEET-UG paper leak and a series of examination-related controversies.
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