NEET re-exam: Centre planning major changes in question paper distribution, will seek Air Force assistance, says Dharmendra Pradhan

NEW DELHI: The central government is planning major changes for the NEET UG examination scheduled to be held on June 21. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told a news channel that the government has decided to seek the assistance of the Indian Air Force for the secure distribution of question papers. The Minister added that the decision was taken after evaluating multiple factors, including security concerns and unpredictable June weather conditions.

Earlier, question papers were distributed through the postal department. From now on, the government plans to use Air Force support as well to ensure that question papers reach examination centres on time and without any security issues. Pradhan added that the government is fully prepared to conduct the examination in a transparent and smooth manner.

The NEET UG examination is being conducted again after the May 3 exam was cancelled following allegations of question paper leaks. A high-level meeting involving Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia was held on Thursday. The meeting discussed ways to prevent question paper leaks and strengthen examination security. It was during this session that a proposal to utilise the Air Force's services for the distribution of question papers was taken into consideration.