1.3 lakh CCTV cams, 51k jammers: Security arrangements in place ahead of NEET-UG reexam tomorrow

India is bolstering security for the NEET-UG re-examination, scheduled for Sunday, June 21, after the cancellation of the original exam over a paper leak. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has significantly enhanced security protocols to ensure a fair and secure examination process for the aspirants who have faced a month of anxiety and stress.

The NTA detailed extensive arrangements, including the deployment of 51,311 jammers and 138,560 CCTV cameras across the 95,000 examination rooms. Each room will have two invigilators, and every exam center will be supported by over ten additional functionaries. Artificial intelligence tools will monitor CCTV footage for suspicious activities, with approximately 6,700 observers and over 100 virtual observers overseeing live feeds.

Candidate verification will be stringent, involving 48,448 personnel for biometric verification, with doubled manpower for this task and face authentication. An additional 38,795 staff will conduct frisking. OMR sheets will be collected by bank officials from approximately 1,500 custodian branches and the Department of Posts from around 700 centers nationwide.

State and district administrations, police, paramilitary forces, the Indian Air Force, and the Department of Posts have been mobilized, with each center expected to have 40-50 security personnel. A nationwide mock drill on June 20 tested all security systems, including CCTV, jammers, frisking, and biometrics. Amid concerns about intense heat, exam centers will provide essential support like drinking water, ORS, ambulances, and shaded waiting areas. Candidates will also have access to wall clocks, extra rough paper, and extended exam time to accommodate entry procedures.