An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter takes part in a trial run ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on June 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed aircraft and helicopters to airlift question papers for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination across the country as part of enhanced security arrangements ahead of the test scheduled for June 21.
The operation has been launched to ensure the secure and timely delivery of confidential examination material following the cancellation of the earlier NEET-UG examination amid allegations of a large-scale paper leak.
According to official sources, transportation of question papers began on June 16 and will continue through June 17. The papers are being airlifted to more than 20 locations across the country using IAF transport aircraft, with Mi-17 helicopters being employed for onward movement to remote and difficult-to-access areas.
A senior official confirmed that question papers were delivered to several northern States on Tuesday, while dry runs were conducted at selected locations in southern India to validate security and logistics arrangements.
A trial landing of an Air Force helicopter was conducted at the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground in Tamil Nadu as part of the preparations, the official added.
The confidential packets are being transported under stringent security protocols and will be distributed to designated examination centres under close surveillance after reaching their destinations.
CRPF and CISF personnel have been deployed to secure the transportation chain at every stage. The Defence Ministry, Home Ministry, Postal Department, and State governments are all coordinating under a framework overseen by the Ministry of Education.
The deployment of military assets comes as the government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) implement a multi-layered security framework to ensure the integrity of one of India’s largest competitive examinations.
Officials said additional safeguards have been introduced, including strict isolation of paper setters, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, real-time tracking of question paper movement, and coordinated security deployment at examination centres.
The NEET-UG re-examination will be conducted under heightened vigilance, with nearly five lakh security personnel expected to be involved in maintaining security and ensuring the smooth conduct of the examination nationwide.
The NEET-UG 2026 examination, originally held on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates, was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of an organised paper leak and suspected insider involvement. The June 21 re-examination is being conducted with unprecedented security measures aimed at restoring confidence in the examination process.
Published – June 16, 2026 10:41 pm IST
