NEET UG 2026: 1.5 lakh CCTVs, 2.5 lakh police personnel, mega mock drills nationwide... the biggest security plan to date..
NTA NEET UG 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made unprecedented preparations to ensure that NEET-UG—the country's largest medical entrance exam—is conducted in a completely fair and secure manner. A nationwide "mega mock drill" will be held on Saturday, ahead of the actual examination scheduled for June 21. During this drill, a full rehearsal of the examination process will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM to prevent any irregularities or technical glitches on the day of the exam. Following controversies regarding paper leaks and security issues in previous years, the NTA and the administration are unwilling to take any risks this time. Consequently, stringent measures have been implemented at every level, ranging from the management of exam centers to the security of the question papers.
**Full Rehearsal of the Exam Process from Morning to Night**
This mega mock drill organized by the NTA will replicate every procedure scheduled for the actual exam day. It will test various arrangements, including the secure delivery of question papers, candidate entry, security checks, the conduct of the exam, and the packing and dispatch of answer sheets. Officials believe that testing the entire process beforehand will help avoid any complications during the actual examination.
**Over 5,500 Exam Centers Designated as High-Security Zones**
More than 5,500 exam centers have been set up across the country for this exam, and all of them have been designated as high-security zones. The district administration has already taken control of the centers and assumed responsibility for security arrangements. The NTA states that officials have been deployed at various levels to ensure security and surveillance at every center.
**Three-Tier Security Ring for the First Time**
A three-tier security system is being implemented for NEET-UG 2026 for the first time. Under this system, the district administration, state police, and a special security team from the central government will jointly oversee the examination. The objective of this multi-layered security arrangement is to completely prevent any irregularities, instances of cheating, or paper leaks. Up to 2.5 Lakh Police Personnel to be Deployed
Approximately 2 to 2.5 lakh police personnel will be deployed across the country to manage security arrangements during the examination. Special surveillance will be maintained around exam centers, and immediate action will be taken against any suspicious activity. In addition to the police, administrative officials will also maintain continuous oversight.
Who is Responsible for the Security of Question Papers and Answer Sheets?
The responsibility of safely transporting question papers to exam centers and securely bringing back answer sheets after the exam concludes has been entrusted to around 15,000 paramilitary personnel. The objective of this arrangement is to fully ensure the security of the question papers and answer sheets, eliminating any possibility of tampering at any stage.
1.5 Lakh Additional CCTV Cameras
Surveillance measures have been further strengthened this time. Approximately 1.5 lakh additional CCTV cameras have been installed at exam centers across the country. Furthermore, 15,000 jammers have been deployed to prevent any attempts at cheating using mobile phones, Bluetooth, or other electronic devices during the exam. Recordings from all cameras will be securely preserved and can be examined if the need arises.
Live Monitoring from NTA Headquarters
Live monitoring of all centers will be conducted during the examination. In addition to the NTA headquarters, several control rooms have been set up to continuously monitor exam-related activities. Immediate action can be taken if any issue arises at a center.
22.80 Lakh Students Registered
Approximately 22.80 lakh candidates have registered for the NEET-UG exam this year. It is one of the country's largest entrance examinations. So far, over 18.5 lakh candidates have downloaded their admit cards. This number continues to rise as the exam date approaches.
3.5 Lakh Students Changed Exam City or Center
According to the NTA, around 3.5 lakh candidates opted to change their exam center or city. The agency has allocated new centers to these candidates based on their preferences and availability, making it more convenient for students to reach the exam venue.
Exam centers in 551 Indian cities and abroad
NEET-UG 2026 will be conducted across 551 cities in India. More than 5,500 exam centers have been set up nationwide for this purpose. Additionally, 14 international exam centers have been established for Indian students residing abroad.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
