Sri Vijaya Puram, June18: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has announced a comprehensive free transportation facility for candidates appearing in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026, aimed at ensuring that students from remote islands can reach examination centres without logistical challenges.
The special arrangement will allow eligible candidates to travel free of cost on government-operated buses, ferries and ship services before and after the examination scheduled to be held in Sri Vijaya Puram on June 21.
Officials said the initiative was approved to facilitate the movement of students from different islands and remote settlements where transportation remains a critical concern, particularly for candidates travelling long distances to appear in national-level examinations.
According to the Administration, the free transportation facility will be available from June 18 to June 21 for travel from candidates’ places of residence to examination centres in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The return journey facility will remain available from June 21 to June 24, enabling students to travel back to their respective islands and localities after completing the examination.
Authorities have clarified that candidates wishing to avail themselves of the facility must carry a valid NEET-UG 2026 admit card issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
In addition to the admit card, students must also carry a valid photo identity document and produce both documents whenever requested by transport authorities during travel.
The Administration stated that the decision reflects its commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for students regardless of geographical location.
For many candidates residing in distant islands, inter-island travel often involves multiple modes of transportation and considerable expenses. Officials noted that the free transport arrangement is intended to reduce this burden and enable students to focus on their examinations rather than travel-related concerns.
The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) has separately confirmed that free travel will be available onboard DSS vessels operating in the inter-island, foreshore and harbour ferry sectors during the notified period.
The facility will cover eligible NEET candidates travelling to and from Sri Vijaya Puram for examination purposes.
Education and transport authorities have advised students to plan their journeys in advance and verify vessel sailing schedules and bus timings before departure.
Candidates have also been encouraged to contact the nearest offices of the Directorate of Shipping Services and Directorate of Transport for updated information regarding routes, schedules and operational details.
The annual NEET examination remains one of the country’s most competitive entrance tests, serving as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical and allied health science programmes.
Every year, students from across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands travel to designated centres in Sri Vijaya Puram to appear for the examination.
Officials said the Administration has consistently taken measures to assist students appearing in national-level examinations by improving transportation and logistical support.
Parents and students have welcomed the initiative, noting that travel costs can be significant for candidates coming from remote islands, particularly when accompanied by family members or guardians.
The latest arrangement is expected to benefit hundreds of students and ensure smoother movement across the archipelago during the examination period.
Authorities have urged all candidates to carry the required documents, arrive at departure points on time and complete travel formalities well in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
With the examination date approaching, transport departments are expected to coordinate closely to ensure uninterrupted services and facilitate the timely arrival of candidates at their examination centres.
