Indian Air Force likely to oversee transport of NEET-UG re-test papers

The government is considering involving the defence forces to manage logistics and transportation for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test, scheduled for June 21. This measure follows the cancellation of the original examination after an alleged question paper leak.

Top sources in the Ministry of Defence confirmed that a high-level meeting was held at the residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF) were also present during the discussions.

According to officials, a proposal has been prepared to deploy the IAF to provide transportation and logistics support to securely move question papers from printing presses to examination centers across the country. The final decision is expected after consultations with the Prime Minister’s Office.

Question papers are currently dispatched via the postal network, which involves multiple handling points and officials.

Sources said the proposed IAF-backed mechanism aims to minimise the risk of leaks and strengthen security protocols.

“IAF will discuss the practical details with officials concerned with the examination to execute the plan if it gets approval from the Ministry,” an official said.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, originally conducted on May 3 for more than 22 lakh candidates, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 12 following allegations of an organised paper leak and suspected insider involvement.

The case is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has so far arrested 11 accused from multiple states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.