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New Delhi: More than a month after the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination due to a paper leak controversy, lakhs of aspirants are set to appear for the re-test on Sunday, June 21.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced extensive security and monitoring measures to ensure the examination is conducted fairly and smoothly. The agency said the arrangements have been strengthened to provide a secure and candidate-friendly environment.

Massive surveillance network

The NTA has deployed 1,38,560 CCTV cameras and 51,311 signal jammers across examination centres.

Each of the 95,000 examination rooms will be equipped with a CCTV camera and monitored by two invigilators. Every centre will also have more than ten additional examination functionaries.

Around 6,700 observers will be physically present at examination centres, while more than 100 virtual observers will monitor live CCTV feeds. Artificial intelligence tools will also analyse video footage to identify suspicious activity.

Multi-layer verification process

Candidate verification has been tightened significantly for the re-examination.

A total of 48,448 personnel have been deployed for biometric verification. The NTA has doubled biometric manpower and added face authentication systems to strengthen identity checks.

In addition, 38,795 frisking staff members have been appointed to conduct physical screening of candidates before entry into examination halls.

Security forces on standby

The NTA said state and district administrations, police forces, paramilitary personnel, the Indian Air Force and the Department of Posts have been mobilised to support the examination process.

Each examination centre will have around 40 to 50 security personnel. A nationwide mock drill conducted on June 20 tested CCTV systems, jammers, biometric verification, frisking procedures and the availability of examination materials.

OMR collection and candidate facilities

To ensure secure handling of answer sheets, bank officials have been deployed at around 1,500 custodian bank branches. The Department of Posts will collect OMR sheets from nearly 700 centres across the country. The agency has also announced several facilities for candidates. Examination centres will provide drinking water, ORS, ambulances and shaded waiting areas amid prevailing heat conditions in many regions. Candidates will also have access to wall clocks, additional rough-work pages and accommodations for left-handed students. The exam window has been extended to account for additional time needed during security checks and entry procedures.

NTA warns against rumours

The NTA has repeatedly stated that no paper leak has occurred before the re-examination. The agency said it is actively monitoring social media platforms and taking action against fake claims and misinformation.

Candidates and parents have been advised to rely only on official communications issued by the NTA. The NEET-UG 2026 re-test will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm. The examination will take place across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad for more than 22.79 lakh candidates.