New Delhi: Ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will carry out a nationwide full-scale mock drill on Saturday, part of what officials describe as one of the most extensive security operations ever organised for a national entrance exam.
The comprehensive rehearsal, scheduled from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, will recreate every step of the exam-day workflow, including the dispatch of question papers and the collection and conveyance of answer sheets, as reported by News 18.
More than 5,500 exam centres across the country have been declared high-security zones, with authorities implementing a three-tier security system that brings together district administrations, state police units and special central security teams.
Vast Security Apparatus Mobilised
Officials said that between 200,000 and 250,000 police personnel will be assigned to secure centres and ensure public order during the exam.
This besides, roughly 15,000 paramilitary personnel will be responsible for transporting question papers and ensuring the safe return of answer scripts after the test.
To boost surveillance, authorities have added about 150,000 CCTV cameras and deployed 15,000 signal jammers at exam locations.
All venues will be monitored live from the NTA’s headquarters and via dedicated control rooms set up across the country.
Nearly 23 Lakh Students To Appear
Officials said approximately 22.8 lakh students have registered for the examination, making it one of the largest entrance tests in the nation.
More than 18.5 lakh candidates have already downloaded their admit cards, and around 3.5 lakh students have requested changes to their exam city or centre.
The test will take place at over 5,500 centres across 551 Indian cities and 14 international sites.
Authorities noted that 98.8 per cent of the centres have been established in government-run educational institutions to strengthen oversight and security.
States To Provide Transport, Facilities
Several states — including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh — have pledged special transport to shuttle students to exam centres.
Officials have ordered that every venue must provide drinking water, uninterrupted electricity with backup generators, first-aid kits and ambulances, and portable toilets where required.
Arrangements have been made for diabetic candidates, who will be allowed light snacks during the test.
The stepped-up measures come amid close scrutiny of national entrance exams and are meant to ensure the NEET‑UG re‑examination proceeds smoothly, securely and transparently.
Authorities said the nationwide mock drill will identify any logistical or security weaknesses so they can be corrected before the June 21 re‑exam.
