In a move to prevent any further breach, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has strengthened security measures for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) re-examination scheduled for June 21.
More than 22 lakh aspirants had appeared for the examination on May 3, which was subsequently cancelled after allegations surfaced that the question paper had been leaked before the exam.
Security checks in place
The question paper for Re-NEET is being set under tight monitoring. The teachers and subject experts deputed for the job were brought together 20 days ago. The team has been kept in absolute isolation since, and any contact with the outer world through phones or the internet has been entirely prohibited, NDTV reported.
The restrictions will be lifted only after the end of the examinations on June 21. Multiple strata of internal security have also been put in place by the NTA to prevent any possible leak.
Also Read | Last chance for CBSE Class 12 re-evaluation and mark verification requests
The entire security apparatus has been enhanced by several notches by the NTA. The transportation of question papers has been tasked to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and approximately five lakh security personnel will be deployed across India during the examination, as reported by NDTV.
AI-enabled surveillance cameras and upgraded monitoring of social media platforms will also be conducted by the authorities.
Paper-setting process for NEET
NEET follows a multi-layered paper-setting process in which several question paper sets are prepared by different expert teams, ensuring that no single individual knows which version will be used in the examination.
However, the recent paper leak exposed gaps in the system. During its probe, the CBI identified PV Kulkarni, a long-time NTA subject expert, alleging that he had access to multiple versions of the NEET question paper. Kulkarni has since been arrested in connection with the case, NDTV reported.
Following discussions between the Ministry of Education and the NTA, authorities announced a re-examination on June 21, while the paper leak investigation was handed over to the CBI.
Also Read | Delhi University gives PG aspirants more time, CSAS-PG registration now open till June 9
FAQs:
1. Why is NEET being re-conducted on June 21?
The re-examination was ordered after allegations that the original NEET question paper had been leaked.
2. What new security measures have been introduced for Re-NEET?
The NTA has deployed enhanced surveillance, IAF-led paper transportation, and around five lakh security personnel.
