EXCLUSIVE | Security Lockdown: CISF, CRPF, Air Force... How will the NEET paper reach 551 cities across the country?

The Central Government has put in place unprecedented security arrangements for the NEET 2026 re-examination. A two-tier security system has been implemented to ensure the safe transport of question papers and other confidential materials ahead of the exam scheduled for June 21. According to sources, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been entrusted with key responsibilities in this process, acting on directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The government aims to ensure that examination materials reach centers across the country with complete security, eliminating any possibility of irregularities or security breaches.

**Security arrangements for question papers**
Sources indicate that the Central Government has devised a two-tier security cover for the transport and monitoring of examination materials. Under this arrangement, CRPF and CISF personnel will maintain a continuous security cordon during the packing, transportation, and distribution of question papers and other confidential documents. Every activity related to the exam will be monitored to ensure that confidentiality is not compromised at any stage.

**How ​​will the NEET paper reach 551 cities?**
A large-scale logistics network has been established to distribute examination materials across the country. The question papers will initially be dispatched from major centers located in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. Subsequently, the materials will be transported to approximately 551 hub cities nationwide using a combined network of air and road transport. The entire process is being managed under a 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure timely delivery of materials even to remote areas.

**Use of Air Force aircraft and helicopters**
Sources state that Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters have also been deployed to ensure the safe and rapid transport of question papers. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will accompany the examination materials during transit. Full details of these personnel have already been provided to the Ministry of Defence so that necessary travel permissions and security clearances can be issued on time.

**Weapons to be deposited before travel**
Special protocols have also been established for the CAPF personnel deployed on security duty. Personnel traveling on military aircraft or helicopters will be required to deposit their service weapons before the flight. These weapons will be stored securely during the journey and returned to the respective personnel upon arrival at their destination.

**Process of transporting question papers began on June 11**
The task of transporting examination materials to various states and cities commenced on June 11. Question papers and other confidential materials will be dispatched to designated centers continuously over the coming days. Security agencies and administrative teams are monitoring the entire process to ensure that the materials reach all centers within the stipulated timeframe.

**'Reverse operation' to begin after the exam concludes**
This mission encompasses not only the delivery of question papers but also the secure retrieval of answer booklets and other documents after the examination ends. The operation to collect OMR answer booklets and other exam materials will begin on the evening of June 21, immediately following the conclusion of the exam. Separate security arrangements have been put in place for this phase as well.

**Strict monitoring at every step**
Security agencies will keep a close watch on the entire process—from the dispatch of exam materials and their arrival at centers to the eventual return of OMR sheets. Special surveillance is being maintained, with every stage of transportation, storage, and distribution treated as highly sensitive. Officials state that comprehensive preparations regarding security and logistics have been made this time to ensure the examination is conducted in a completely fair and organized manner.

**One of the country's largest examination operations**
The NEET 2026 re-examination, scheduled for June 21, is considered one of the country's largest examination operations. Extensive coordination has been established among security agencies, the administration, transport networks, and defense institutions for this exam, which involves lakhs of candidates. The Central Government believes that a robust security setup and strict monitoring can render the examination process completely secure and transparent.

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