The Centre is considering deploying the Indian armed forces to support logistics for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled on June 21, a move officials described as unprecedented for a national entrance test after the original exam was cancelled over alleged paper leaks affecting more than 2.2 million students.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took place on Thursday in New Delhi with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, senior National Testing Agency officials and top bureaucrats attending. Officials reviewed the entire examination chain, from question paper printing and storage to transportation and final delivery at centres.
“NEET-UG is the biggest pan-India level offline exam involving over 2.2 million students. We will take help from the Army in logistics wherever they can help us”, a senior NTA official said. The official added that the Air Force could assist in moving question papers during “rainfalls, storms etc” because of limited preparation time before the re-exam.
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Army Role Limited to Logistics
Government officials said the military would not supervise examination centres or invigilation. Their role, if approved, would remain restricted to secure transport, emergency coordination and last-mile delivery in difficult weather conditions. The proposal comes after the May 3 NEET-UG examination was scrapped following allegations that question papers were leaked before the test began in multiple states. The Central Bureau of Investigation has already arrested 13 accused in connection with the case.
A defence ministry spokesperson declined official comment, though officials involved in the discussions said the Army and Air Force were being considered because existing civilian logistics systems were seen as vulnerable after the leak controversy.The government is also planning additional safeguards for the June 21 re-exam, including fresh city selection for candidates and tighter paper handling protocols. Reports indicate some states may provide transport assistance for students travelling again for the examination.
Pressure Builds on NTA
The crisis has intensified scrutiny of the National Testing Agency, which conducts several national entrance examinations. Multiple petitions have already reached the Supreme Court demanding accountability, while opposition leaders and education experts have questioned how confidential exam material allegedly circulated before the test. Former Army chief and Mizoram Governor V.K. Singh said military systems maintain stricter handling protocols. “Paper may get leaked but it doesn’t happen in armed forces”, he said during recent comments cited by local media.
Officials are now exploring whether NEET should eventually move to a computer-based format from 2027 to reduce risks linked to printing and transporting physical papers across hundreds of cities. For now, the government’s immediate concern is avoiding another breakdown. The June 21 re-exam is expected to be conducted under one of the tightest security operations ever attempted for an Indian entrance test.
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