IAF to airlift NEET-UG retest papers to 18 exam centres

NEW DELHI: Education ministry sources confirmed that confidential question paper packets for the June 21 NEETUG 2026 retest will be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to 18 locations across the country before being transported under security cover to examination centres, while paper setters, moderators and translators have been placed under strict isolation at a secure undisclosed location to prevent any possibility of leaks.

The measures form part of one of the most extensive security operations mounted for a national entrance examination, following the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 amid allegations of a paper leak.
The exam was scrapped on May 12 and the matter was subsequently handed over to the CBI for investigation. Since then, multiple central agencies have been involved in designing a security framework aimed at ensuring a leak-free re-examination.

According to govt sources, the IAF will deploy a combination of transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters, particularly in regions where rapid movement of question papers is considered critical. The papers will be transported from designated distribution points to examination centres under tight security arrangements.

Security agencies, civil authorities and defence establishments have been tasked with maintaining close coordination throughout the operation. Military and security personnel have also been asked to remain on standby to provide any additional assistance required during the conduct of the examination.

Authorities have simultaneously tightened controls over the question paper preparation process.

Sources said all experts involved in setting, moderating and translating the examination paper were moved to a secure facility and placed under lockdown conditions until the examination is completed.