No loose ends this time: PMO to track NEET re-test till last student receives exam paper

New Delhi/IBNS: After the massive controversy surrounding the earlier NEET-UG examination paper leak, the Centre has introduced an unprecedented monitoring system for the upcoming re-test, with the Prime Minister’s Office set to supervise the examination process until the final question paper reaches students.

IBNS • 28 May 2026, 03:30 pm

The move comes ahead of the June 21 NEET re-examination, which nearly 23 lakh candidates are expected to take across the country.

Top government officials discussed fresh security arrangements during a high-level meeting at the residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi.

The meeting reportedly lasted around 40 minutes and was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Abhishek Singh and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to government sources, the discussions focused on strengthening every stage of the examination process after the earlier controversy triggered nationwide protests and raised questions over the credibility of India’s largest medical entrance test.

PMO to monitor entire exam chain

Officials said the Prime Minister’s Office will now oversee the full examination cycle, including paper preparation, printing, transportation and delivery to examination centres.

The monitoring mechanism aims to ensure that the question papers remain secure until they are physically handed to the last candidate appearing for the examination.

Sources indicated that authorities want to eliminate even the least possibility of irregularities during the re-test.

PM Modi ‘personally monitoring’ developments

Sources also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been receiving regular updates regarding preparations and developments linked to the re-examination.

Officials reportedly indicated that the earlier NEET examination was cancelled after concerns over possible irregularities surfaced, and immediate intervention followed from the highest levels of government.

The controversy surrounding the alleged paper leak had sparked protests, student anger and political criticism across the country.

Security arrangements tightened

The earlier leak allegations raised serious concerns over how confidential examination papers travelled through multiple stages before reaching students.

Now, ahead of the re-test, several agencies are reportedly working together to tighten security arrangements and strengthen monitoring systems.

Sources said Dharmendra Pradhan has been continuously reviewing preparations to avoid any operational lapses during the examination process.

Officials indicated that the new monitoring structure could become one of the strictest oversight mechanisms ever implemented for a national entrance examination in India.