1.38 lakh CCTVs, 51,000 jammers: How NTA has prepared for high-stakes NEET re-exam

More than 22 lakh medical aspirants will appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) re-exam on Sunday (June 21), making it a crucial test not only for students but also for the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Centre, which have sought to restore confidence in the exam process after a paper leak disrupted the previous test held in May.

The leak and the subsequent cancellation of the May 3 exam triggered widespread outrage, protests and demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. While expressing regret over the episode, the Centre said it chose the tougher path by putting transparency first, cancelling the tainted exam and conducting a fresh test.

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The re-examination will be held from 2 pm to 5.15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to write the examination till 6.20 pm. Candidates have been asked to report to their examination centres between 11 am and 1.30 pm.

The NTA has advised candidates to bring their admit card, a valid photo identity card and two passport-size photographs. Students have been asked to report to their centres between 11 am and 1.30 pm, after which entry will not be permitted.

NTA ramps up security

The NTA said that it has put in place "comprehensive arrangements" to ensure "fair, secure and candidate-friendly" conduct of the exam. The agency also conducted a nationwide mock drill on Saturday to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the test.

The NTA said security and surveillance arrangements for the re-examination include more than 95,000 examination rooms, each fitted with CCTV, and a total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras being monitored live at the national, state and ministry levels. The CCTV feeds are also being analysed through AI-based tools to flag anomalies, while 51,311 jammers have been deployed to guard against electronic malpractice.

On the ground, the NTA has deployed two invigilators in every examination room and more than 10 additional functionaries at each centre. Candidate verification and frisking arrangements have been strengthened with 38,795 frisking staff and 48,448 biometric personnel, with biometric manpower doubled and supported by face authentication.

In addition, around 6,700 observers and more than 100 virtual observers have been deployed, while an average of 40 to 50 security personnel have been stationed at each centre, it said.

For secure logistics, NTA said police, paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force and the Department of Posts have been mobilised for the movement and handling of confidential examination material.

Earlier, the agency had said over 2 lakh personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilised to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the re-examination.

Centre reviews preparedness

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has chaired a series of high-level review meetings with senior officials to assess preparedness and oversee arrangements for the re-examination.

The government also temporarily restricted access to the Telegram, with the NTA saying the measure was aimed at tackling cheating rackets.

The NTA has launched a verified WhatsApp communication channel to provide authentic updates directly to candidates and has cautioned students against trusting social media rumours about "leaked" question papers, answer keys or paid services.

Also read | NTA sends NEET UG re-exam admit card reminders, warns of online scams

Several states have also announced support measures for candidates, including free transportation facilities through state-run bus services to reduce travel-related stress and ensure timely access to examination centres.

"To ensure a fair and transparent examination, the agency has put in place a multi-layered security framework, including end-to-end secure handling of confidential materials under sealed protocols, GPS-enabled vehicles with police escorts for movement of examination materials, CCTV surveillance at all examination centres linked to centralised control rooms, and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation," the NTA had said.

The NTA said additional biometric machines and trained personnel have been deployed to expedite verification, while travel and weather advisories have been issued in advance, urging candidates to plan their travel early and verify centre addresses from their admit cards.