New Delhi, May 29: Union Education Minister on Thursday announced that the (IAF) will be deployed to transport question papers for the upcoming NEET UG re-examination scheduled on June 21, as part of heightened security measures aimed at preventing paper leaks and ensuring smooth conduct of the examination.
The announcement comes amid continuing scrutiny over examination security and transparency following controversies linked to national-level entrance examinations in recent months.
Speaking after a high-level review meeting in New Delhi, the Minister said the government has decided to involve the Air Force due to logistical challenges and unpredictable weather conditions during June, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access regions.
Officials stated that the move is intended to ensure timely and secure transportation of sensitive examination material to centres across the country without risk of delay, tampering or leakage.
Pradhan emphasized that the Centre is adopting a “whole-of-government” approach to strengthen examination security, involving coordinated efforts between multiple ministries and agencies.
“Earlier, the Postal Department played a major role along with the Home Ministry and the states. We will continue this collaborative approach, but now the Indian Air Force will also step in to ensure question papers reach examination centres safely and on time,” the Minister said.
According to officials, the decision was finalised during a high-level meeting attended by Defence Minister , Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Communications Minister .
The meeting focused primarily on tightening security protocols for the re-examination process and eliminating any possibility of paper leaks or logistical vulnerabilities.
Authorities said the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs and Communications, along with state governments and postal authorities, are working jointly to create a multi-layered security and monitoring mechanism for the examination.
The involvement of the Air Force marks one of the strongest logistical interventions by the government in the conduct of a national entrance examination.
Officials noted that transportation of examination material during the monsoon season often becomes challenging because of adverse weather conditions, disruptions in transport connectivity and delays in remote areas. The use of military aviation resources is expected to reduce such risks significantly.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET UG) is among India’s largest competitive examinations and serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country.
The re-examination scheduled for June 21 follows controversies and allegations related to examination irregularities and paper leaks that triggered public outrage and political criticism earlier this year.
The government has since been under pressure to strengthen examination management systems and restore public confidence in the integrity of national-level entrance tests.
Pradhan assured students and parents that the government remains fully committed to conducting the examination in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“There will be no compromise on security or efficiency,” the Minister stated, while reiterating that every possible measure is being taken to ensure credibility of the examination process.
Education experts say the deployment of the Air Force signals the seriousness with which the government is approaching examination security following recent controversies.
The move is also expected to reassure students preparing for the re-examination, many of whom have expressed concerns regarding fairness and administrative preparedness after earlier irregularity allegations.
Authorities are expected to release further operational guidelines and security protocols for examination centres in the coming days as preparations for the nationwide re-test intensify.
The Centre has indicated that strict monitoring and coordinated surveillance mechanisms will remain in place throughout the examination cycle to prevent any disruption or malpractice.
