Just weeks before the NEET UG re-test, all experts involved in preparing the question paper for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test have been shifted to a highly secure and undisclosed location, where they are living under strict isolation.
The extraordinary arrangements have been put in place to prevent any possibility of a paper leak and restore confidence in the examination system after the controversy that led to the cancellation of the original NEET-UG exam earlier this year. The CBI have arrested several experts and paper setters in connection with the leak case, prompting authorities to keep the paper setters of NEET retest under lockdown.
According to a report by The Times of India, the restrictions will remain in force until the retest concludes on 21st June. More than 22 lakh students are expected to appear for the examination, making it one of the largest entrance tests in the country.
Experts under complete isolation
Officials familiar with the preparations said that paper setters, moderators, translators and other individuals involved in the confidential stages of question paper preparation have been placed under constant supervision at a secured facility. Mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches and other communication devices have been prohibited.
Internet access has been tightly restricted, and contact with the outside world has been virtually cut off. Entry and exit from the facility are being closely monitored, with only authorised personnel allowed access. According to officials, these measures are aimed at ensuring that no information related to the examination can be leaked before the test.
Multi-layer security system for NEET retest
The isolation of experts is only the first step in what officials describe as a comprehensive multi-layer security framework created by the Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The NEET-UG 2026 retest will be held on 21st June in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.
Officials said every stage of the examination process, from preparing and translating the question paper to moderation, printing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution, is now being subjected to enhanced scrutiny. The entire process has been divided into separate compartments so that no single individual or group has access to the complete chain of operations.
Focus on transport and online monitoring
Authorities are also paying special attention to the transportation of question papers. The government has reportedly explored the possibility of using Indian Air Force aircraft to securely transport examination material across the country.
At the same time, officials are carrying out round-the-clock monitoring of social media platforms, messaging apps and online forums to identify fake question papers, misinformation campaigns and any suspicious activity.
Sources said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has instructed officials to ensure that every weakness exposed during the previous examination cycle is fully addressed before the retest takes place.
