The extraordinary deployment comes in the wake of the massive question paper leak controversy that led to the cancellation of the original examination conducted on May 3. The incident triggered widespread public outrage and raised serious concerns over the integrity of India's premier medical entrance examination, prompting authorities to introduce an extensive overhaul of security and logistical protocols.
The Centre and the NTA have launched a multi-layered security framework to ensure the safe handling and transportation of examination materials. Under the enhanced arrangements, the Indian Air Force is airlifting sealed consignments of question papers to 18 strategically designated locations across the country, including Patna and several other high-sensitivity examination hubs.
Ahead of the June 21 examination, sealed question papers were transported to Jagdalpur in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft operating under stringent security measures. Upon arrival, the confidential examination materials were transferred to a secure strong room under official supervision.
Authorities have established an unbroken chain of custody for the sensitive cargo. After reaching regional airbases, the question paper consignments are being shifted through heavily guarded ground transportation networks under continuous surveillance until they reach their designated examination centres.
In a parallel move to prevent malpractice and curb the spread of misinformation, the government has temporarily restricted access to the Telegram messaging platform across India. The National Testing Agency stated that the decision was intended to dismantle cheating networks and prevent the circulation of false claims related to examination paper leaks ahead of the re-examination.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), acting on recommendations from the National Testing Agency, issued directions under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The order restricts access to Telegram in India for a defined and limited period ending June 22, 2026, covering the day of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath.
The unprecedented use of military airlift capabilities, combined with digital restrictions and intensified surveillance measures, highlights the government's determination to protect the integrity of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and rebuild public trust in the country's most important medical entrance process after one of the most significant examination security breaches in recent years.
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