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The Indian Air Force has carried out nearly 200 sorties over a three- to four-day period to deliver the question papers for the retest of an all-India pre-medical exam. 

The IAF used its Mi-17 helicopters and transport aircraft to ferry the sealed question papers, Indian news outlets reported.

"The use of IAF aircraft is aimed at guaranteeing foolproof, time-bound delivery," the Times of India reported, citing an official. 

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) exam for 2026 was originally conducted in early May with about 2.2 million students in attendance. It is a pen and paper test which is taken at the same time across India. But this year's exam was canceled after the question paper was allegedly leaked. A retest is scheduled for June 21. 

India's opposition had earlier criticized the government's decision to rope in the IAF, saying it was "emergency scaffolding" and did not address the root cause.

This is not the first time the crucial examination's question paper has been leaked. Critics blame corrupt bureaucracy, inadequate security measures, and poor action to quash cheating networks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is facing severe backlash from the opposition, student bodies and India's youth in general for the emotional and mental strain on students. Many have demanded the resignation of India's education minister, without success. 

Thousands of NEET-UG aspirants across the country have been protesting the leaked paper, with reports of student suicides

On Wednesday, news channel NDTV reported that a 19-year-old took her own life because she had already appeared twice and was afraid to take the exam again.