NEET UG 2026 paper leak: NTA tells Supreme Court enhanced security measures in place for June 21 re-exam

Ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has told the Supreme Court that it has introduced major security and structural reforms after the paper leak controversy that led to the cancellation of the earlier exam.

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the NTA said the decision to cancel the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 was taken in the interest of students and to maintain public trust in the examination system.



The affidavit was filed in connection with petitions seeking reforms in the conduct of NEET UG after allegations of irregularities and security lapses in the cancelled exam.

The NTA informed the court that a High-Powered Steering Committee reviewed preparations for the re-examination and recommended stricter safeguards before, during and after the test.

According to the affidavit, the new measures include mandatory CCTV checks at examination centres, preservation of footage for at least 90 days, mock drills, weather contingency plans, verification of power backup systems and emergency medical facilities.

The agency also said post-examination forensic analysis of CCTV footage would be carried out to detect suspicious activity or irregular conduct that may not be noticed during live monitoring.

As part of the restructuring process after the NEET controversy, the NTA said 16 new senior posts have been created within the organisation, including Director and Joint Director-level positions. Two Joint Secretary-level officers have also been appointed as Additional Director Generals to oversee technology operations and test security.

More than 22 lakh candidates had appeared for NEET UG 2026, which was held at 5,432 centres across 552 Indian cities and 14 overseas cities before it was cancelled over the paper leak allegations.

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