The National Testing Agency is conducting a nationwide mock drill today, June 20, 2026, ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for tomorrow [4], [5].
This high-security operation is designed to prevent leaks and ensure the integrity of the medical entrance test following previous controversies. By simulating the full logistics chain, the agency aims to guarantee a fair and smooth process for students across India.
As part of the enhanced security plan, the Indian Air Force is using MI-17 helicopters to transport question papers to 18 nodal state-capital centers [1]. This aerial deployment is intended to minimize the risk of tampering during transit to the primary hubs.
Security at the local level involves a massive coordination of forces. The Central Reserve Police Force and the Central Industrial Security Force are on standby to secure all exam sites [1]. Nationwide, the deployment includes more than 200,000 police and district officials [3].
In Delhi, the scale of the operation is particularly concentrated, with 97 designated exam centers requiring monitoring [2]. The mock drill serves as a final check for these sites and the personnel assigned to them before the actual test begins on June 21, 2026 [5].
Officials said the drill is a necessary step to verify that the communication and transport protocols are functioning correctly. The NTA is working with state governments to ensure that safety advisories are followed, and that all centers are fully prepared for the influx of candidates.
“The Indian Air Force is using MI-17 helicopters to transport question papers to 18 nodal state-capital centers.”
The mobilization of military aviation and hundreds of thousands of security personnel for a standardized test indicates an unprecedented level of state concern over exam integrity. This approach suggests that the NTA is treating the re-examination not merely as an academic event, but as a high-security operation to restore public trust in the national medical admissions process.
