NEW DELHI: The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is set to be held on June 21 nationwide. Ahead of the exam, authorities have stepped up administrative and security arrangements to ensure smooth and fair conduct.Exam schedule and detailsThe National Testing Agency (NTA) has advised candidates to reach their centres between 11 am and 1:30 pm. Entry gates will close at 1:30 pm.The exam will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear.Delhi preparationsInspection rounds are underway at various centres to finalise preparations.An observer who visited the Government Boys Senior Secondary (GBSS) School in Ashok Vihar said the arrangements were ready.“Everything has been checked and found fit for the exam. Five schools have been designated as centres here. This is the first centre, and we now have to visit the others,” the observer told news agency ANI.Uttar Pradesh arrangementsIn Prayagraj, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said extensive arrangements have been made, with security deployed across all centres.He said, “The NEET exam is scheduled to be held at 47 centers in Prayagraj district, and approximately 23,000 students will participate. Considering the sensitivity of this exam, we have made adequate preparations. Static and sector personnel have been deployed at each centre, under whose supervision the entire exam will be conducted. Adequate police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed to assist them. Personnel will be present from the time the question paper reaches the centre to the time it is collected and returned.”He also spoke about transport and other support arrangements.“To ensure there is no inconvenience at the railway and bus stations, appropriate instructions have been issued after meetings with railway and roadways officials. The reduced fare rates announced by the state government for students are being strictly followed. Everyone has been sensitised to ensure that students do not face any inconvenience while returning. An ARTO team has been deployed to ensure there are no transport problems within the city. Considering the heat, medical teams and ambulances have also been deployed… we are fully prepared,” he added.Rajasthan arrangementsIn Ajmer, Rajasthan, around 300 police personnel will be deployed at examination centres to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the exam.Ajmer Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Himanshu Jangid said strict arrangements have been put in place, with police personnel instructed to remain alert and enforce exam guidelines.He added that armed personnel will escort question papers and answer sheets, while strong rooms will remain under police supervision.Restrictions in DehradunIn Dehradun, the administration has imposed strict restrictions around examination centres to ensure a peaceful environment for candidates.Acting on NTA directions, Additional District Magistrate Krishna Kumar Mishra has imposed Section 163 of the BNSS within a 200-metre radius of all 16 centres.The order will remain in force on the day of the examination and until it concludes.The assembly of five or more people, except candidates, has been banned near centres.Carrying firearms, lathis, swords, sharp-edged weapons, stones, bricks and rods has been prohibited in the area.The use of loudspeakers, political slogans, rallies, demonstrations and vehicle processions without permission has also been restricted.Authorities have warned that violations will lead to action under Section 223 of the BNS.Sector and zonal magistrates have been deployed at all centres, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Army Public School Birpur and the Women’s Institute of Technology in Sudhowala, to ensure strict monitoring.
