With just weeks left for the NEET re-examination scheduled on June 21, the Centre has stepped up efforts to prevent any repeat of the paper leak controversy that forced the cancellation of the earlier test.
A high-level meeting involving Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was held on Thursday to review security arrangements for the nationwide examination.
Sources said the government is considering involving the defence forces to provide logistical support and strengthen security mechanisms for the exam. Officials of the National Testing Agency were also present during the discussions.
"Nearly 23 lakh students will appear for the examination on June 21. The focus of the meeting was to ensure enhanced security so there is absolutely no scope for any paper leak," a source said.
Pradhan also reviewed the preparations with former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, who headed the committee formed to recommend reforms in the NTA following the controversy.
The Education Minister stressed that surveillance at examination centres must be intensified and security protocols should remain the top priority. The NEET re-examination will be conducted at around 5,400 centres across 550 cities.
The original NEET examination was held on May 3 in 551 cities across India and 14 overseas centres, with over 22 lakh candidates appearing. However, the exam was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a paper leak triggered nationwide outrage.