NEET-UG paper setters to be under lockdown till re-exam

In a bid to prevent any possibility of a question paper leak, all experts involved in preparing the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will be placed under strict isolation until the exam is conducted on June 21, as per reports.

In the aftermath of the NEET-UG paper leak controversy that led to the cancellation of the May examination and sparked concerns among more than 22 lakh aspirants, authorities have introduced an extensive security overhaul for the re-exam scheduled on June 21.

As part of the new measures, all individuals involved in the confidential stages of question paper preparation, including paper setters, moderators and translators, have been placed under strict supervision at a secure facility. 

Access to mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, and other communication devices has been prohibited, while internet connectivity and contact with outsiders have been severely restricted. Entry and exit at the facility are being closely monitored, with access limited to authorised personnel only.

As per reports, this isolation protocol forms the first layer of a multi-tier security framework jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NEET-UG re-examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5.15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad.

To prevent any breach, every stage of the examination process from question paper drafting and translation to moderation, printing, packaging, storage, transportation, and distribution is being subjected to enhanced scrutiny. The process is reportedly compartmentalised to ensure that no single person or team has access to the entire chain of operations.

Authorities have also strengthened transportation security and are exploring the use of Indian Air Force aircraft for the secure movement of examination materials. Meanwhile, continuous monitoring of social media platforms, messaging applications and online forums is being carried out to detect fake question papers, misinformation campaigns and any suspicious activity.