The Centre is considering deploying the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the transportation of NEET-UG examination papers to ensure the foolproof conduct of the re-test scheduled for June 21, according to sources quoted by PTI.
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also attended the meeting.
Sources said the discussions focused on the entire examination process, including the setting and printing of question papers, transportation logistics, and security arrangements.
"The ministers and senior officials discussed whether IAF aircraft could be used for transportation of the NEET-UG test papers," sources told PTI.
"However, as of now, no final decision has been taken and the option will be placed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a final view," they added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also believed to be personally monitoring the preparations for the June 21 re-test and is being updated regularly on the arrangements related to the examination process.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, was originally conducted on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad. Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
According to the NTA, information regarding alleged malpractices surfaced on the evening of May 7, four days after the exam was conducted. The agency said the inputs were shared with central agencies the following morning for "independent verification and necessary action".
On May 12, the NTA cancelled the NEET-UG examination amid allegations of a paper leak. A re-examination has now been scheduled for June 21.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case based on a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The probe agency subsequently formed special investigation teams, carried out searches across multiple states, and made several arrests.
So far, 13 accused have been arrested from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar in connection with the case.
The CBI had earlier stated that its investigation had identified the actual source of the question paper leak.
