New Delhi, 8 June

Ahead of the Re-NEET UG 2026 examination on 21 June, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy Mi-17 helicopters and other aircraft to transport question papers from 18 locations across the country as part of an extensive security operation aimed at preventing any repeat of last year's paper leak controversy.

Officials said the use of military air assets will ensure secure and timely transportation of question papers, minimise transit delays and safeguard the integrity of the examination process. Military and security personnel have also been placed on standby to provide additional assistance, if required, during the conduct of the re-examination.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the examination in a single shift from 2pm to 5pm at centres across the country.

Paper setters under lockdown

To avoid any further leaks and ensure the sanctity of the examination, authorities have placed all paper setters involved in preparing the question paper under strict lockdown until 21 June.

According to reports, paper setters, moderators and translators have been housed at a secure undisclosed location and barred from communicating with the outside world. Access to mobile phones, laptops, internet services and other personal communication devices has been prohibited.

Officials said every stage of the examination cycle — from question paper preparation and translation to moderation, printing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution — is being subjected to enhanced scrutiny.

The NTA has also rejected claims circulating on social media regarding the alleged leak, sale or prior access to the question paper, describing them as false, fabricated and misleading.

CBI probe exposed educator-led leak network

Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the NEET-UG paper leak uncovered what officials described as a structured network involving educators who allegedly exploited their positions in the examination-setting process.

Among those named in the probe was chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni. Along with botany lecturer Manisha Mandhare, he allegedly conducted private coaching sessions from his residence in Pune, where students were provided with exact questions, answer options, and solutions allegedly sourced from the examination paper.