New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct a nationwide mock drill on Saturday (June 20) to test security arrangements and operational preparedness
ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-test scheduled for June 21.
The exercise will begin at 9 am and continue until late evening. More than 2.5 lakh security personnel are expected to take part across the country.
Three-tier security at exam centres
Officials said all examination centres have already been handed over to the NTA. More than 5,000 centres across the country will function under a three-tier security system on the day of the examination.
Paramilitary forces will oversee the custody and security of question papers and answer booklets. CCTV surveillance and security personnel will monitor all centres to prevent irregularities.
The mock drill aims to assess preparedness, inter-agency coordination and the effectiveness of security measures before the examination.
NTA dismisses viral video
The agency has also dismissed a video circulating on social media that claims to show a NEET UG 2026 re-examination booklet.
In a statement shared online, the NTA backed a PIB fact-check and said the packet shown in the video does not contain the mandatory OMR answer sheet that accompanies the official NEET examination booklet.
The agency said several inconsistencies in the video raised serious doubts about its authenticity and urged candidates not to be misled by misinformation.
Medical colleges put on alert
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed medical colleges and institutions across the country to remain on high alert on June 20 and June 21.
The commission has asked institutions not to grant leave to students except in exceptional circumstances. The directive is part of efforts to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of the re-test.
Delhi High Court backs Telegram restriction
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court upheld the Centre’s decision to temporarily restrict access to messaging platform Telegram ahead of the examination.
Justice Tejas Karia dismissed Telegram’s challenge to the blocking order issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The court held that the government’s action was proportionate and narrowly tailored to address concerns related to examination malpractice.
The latest measures reflect the authorities’ attempt to prevent any repeat of irregularities and ensure the integrity of one of the country’s largest entrance examinations.
