Government looks at involving Air Force for safe transport of NEET papers

While preparation for NEET-UG usually covers around six months, the NTA is now preparing for the retest and making arrangements “from scratch”, over a span of 38 days, sources said, adding that this leaves it “severely pressed for time”.

The exam, which was held on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates, was cancelled on May 12 after a paper leak. On May 15, the NTA announced that the re-test would be conducted on June 21. The CBI is now probing the leak.

“The re-test will involve a whole-of-government approach in aspects like mobility, logistics, and security. This will need everybody’s support, from the Army and Air Force to paramilitary forces, state governments and district administrations, and postal services,” a source said.

“There are several factors that need to be considered since the exam will be conducted in the monsoon. There might be flooded areas to which exam material is to be transported. In the case of Lakshadweep, the operation of ferries might be restricted during the monsoon. Similarly, there might be flooded areas in parts of Assam and Bihar. In such cases, air support might be necessary.”

This is the first time that NEET-UG, which is usually held in May, is being cancelled, and the NTA is having to conduct the re-test in the monsoon.