India deploys paramilitary forces to guard NEET exam papers amid leak fears

India is implementing enhanced security measures for the upcoming National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) re-examination, scheduled for June 21. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will provide a second layer of security during the transportation of question papers.

The decision comes after authorities received indications of a potential leak of the exam paper, which led to the cancellation of the original test taken by 2.3 million students. The Union education ministry has ordered the deployment of these forces to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

In addition to the security deployment, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has made other adjustments. The exam duration has been extended by 15 minutes, and the question booklet has been redesigned to include two additional rough pages. These changes are described by the NTA as "student-friendly." The NTA is also collaborating with the Indian Air Force to expedite the distribution of papers, aiming to reduce delivery time significantly.

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Provision of Security Escorts: In coordination with NTA, deploy the required security personnel for providing the second layer of security during transportation and handling of NEET confidential examination material at identified hubs, airports, helipads and other critical locations. For ensuring two-layer security in aircraft/helicopter movements from Origin Hubs, Leg-1 Hubs, Leg-2 Hubs and Leg-3 Hubs.