In a move to ensure the integrity of the upcoming NEET-UG retest, the Indian government is exploring the possibility of deploying Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft for the secure transportation of examination papers. This proposal, aimed at preventing any recurrence of paper leaks, is currently under review and awaits final approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Enhanced Security Measures Considered for June 21 Retest
Official sources indicate that the use of IAF planes was a key discussion point during a high-level meeting convened recently. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Senior officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), including Director General Abhishek Singh, and the Education Ministry were also present.
The comprehensive review covered all facets of the examination process, from the setting and printing of question papers to their transportation and security arrangements. Given the widespread impact of the previous paper leak, which affected over 23 lakh candidates, Prime Minister Modi is reportedly receiving regular updates and personally monitoring the preparations for the June 21 re-examination.
Background of the NEET-UG Paper Leak Controversy
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) was initially conducted on May 5 across 551 cities in India and 14 international centers. With nearly 2.3 million candidates registered, the examination faced severe scrutiny following allegations of a paper leak.
The NTA confirmed receiving information about alleged malpractices on May 7, four days after the exam. This information was subsequently shared with central agencies for independent verification. On May 12, the NTA announced the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination and rescheduled the retest for June 21.
Following the cancellation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case based on a complaint from the Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education. Special teams were formed, leading to searches across multiple cities and the arrest of 13 individuals. The CBI has stated that its investigation has successfully traced the actual source of the question paper leak, providing crucial insights into the security lapses that necessitated the current stringent measures.