In a major effort to ensure the integrity of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-examination, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been tasked with transporting sealed question papers to examination hubs across the country under an enhanced security framework.
The NEET-UG re-test is scheduled to be held on June 21 following the cancellation of the earlier examination. To prevent any possibility of tampering, leakage or logistical delays, the government has deployed IAF transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters for the secure movement of examination materials.
According to officials, sealed question paper packets are being airlifted to approximately 18 regional hubs nationwide. From these locations, the papers will be distributed to examination centres under strict security protocols and continuous monitoring.
Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring secure delivery to remote and difficult-to-access areas. Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed for last-mile transportation in select regions, reducing dependence on ground transportation and minimising potential vulnerabilities in the distribution chain.
Officials stated that the entire operation is being conducted under a tightly controlled chain of custody, with every stage of transportation monitored to ensure the confidentiality and security of examination materials.
The airlift operation forms part of a broader set of security measures introduced after concerns surrounding the earlier examination. Defence and education authorities are coordinating closely to ensure the smooth conduct of the re-test and restore confidence in the examination process.
In Tamil Nadu, authorities have already conducted trial operations as part of the preparedness measures. A helicopter landing exercise was carried out at the Armed Reserve Ground in Tirunelveli to validate logistics and security arrangements ahead of the examination.
Under the proposed plan, question papers will be transported by aircraft from Delhi to Madurai before being airlifted by helicopter to Tirunelveli under strict security cover. Officials also conducted mock drills to assess operational readiness and ensure seamless execution.
Authorities said the decision to involve the Indian Air Force reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility of national-level competitive examinations. The use of military aviation assets is expected to strengthen security, improve logistics efficiency and eliminate vulnerabilities in the transportation process.
The initiative underscores the importance being placed on ensuring a transparent, secure and fair examination environment for lakhs of students appearing for the NEET-UG re-test across the country.
