Unprecedented Nationwide Security and AI Surveillance
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has built a robust security framework to conduct the NEET UG 2026 exam in a fair and transparent manner across India and abroad. A total of 5,440 examination centers have been set up in 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. This year, more than 22 lakh candidates are appearing for the examination in English and 12 Indian languages.
To prevent any malpractices, comprehensive digital surveillance has been deployed. A total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras have been installed across 95,000 rooms, which are being monitored live at the national, state, and ministry levels using AI-based analytics. Additionally, 51,311 jammers, two invigilators per room, 38,795 frisking staff, and 48,448 biometric personnel equipped with facial recognition technology are stationed at the centers. Along with approximately 6,700 observers, an average of 40 to 50 security personnel from local police and paramilitary forces are deployed at each center.
Strict Timings and Special Exam Hall Rules
The NEET UG 2026 exam is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. Candidates are allowed entry into the exam halls only between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. To ensure a seamless biometric verification process, jammers at the centers will be activated just 15 minutes before the exam begins, precisely at 1:45 PM.
To maintain confidentiality, special regulations have been introduced for the examination halls. The NTA has provided its own wall clocks for every classroom. Candidates, invigilators, and other staff members are strictly prohibited from wearing any type of wristwatch inside the centers. Everyone inside will rely solely on the NTA-provided wall clocks to keep track of time. Additionally, invigilators and staff are not allowed to carry mobile phones inside the examination venues.
State-wise Administrative Vigilance and Local Arrangements
Administrative machinery across various states is on high alert. In Nagpur, Maharashtra, where 12,512 candidates are appearing across 30 centers, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has introduced a unique initiative providing free transport in its AC 'Aapli Bus' services upon presenting the NEET admit card. In Ahilyanagar, Sub-divisional Officer Dadasaheb Gite has been appointed as the nodal officer to oversee 12 exam centers catering to 5,385 candidates under the vigilance of local police and CRPF. Latur district has reduced its centers from 34 to 24 to strengthen monitoring, where approximately 14,000 candidates are taking the test under heavy security, duty magistrates, and state observers. The district magistrate himself inspected several centers to review the arrangements.
In Chandigarh, around 3,800 candidates are taking the exam at 7 centers. According to DC Nishant Kumar Yadav, more than 300 police personnel, along with local SHOs and area DSPs, are managing the security. The secure transport of confidential exam materials from banks to centers is being guarded by Chandigarh Police and CRPF.
In Bhiwani, Haryana, security measures have been escalated. Under the leadership of DSP Anup Singh, police conducted search operations at local hotels, railway stations, and bus stands. Around 3,842 candidates are taking the test across 7 centers, with 20 police personnel and CRPF jawans deployed at each center under the supervision of 5 DSPs. All coaching centers and photocopy shops in the district have been ordered to remain closed during the exam hours. In Kurukshetra, DC Vishram Kumar Meena directed officers to perform their duties with absolute integrity and sensitivity. Shahabad SDM Shambhu Rathi has been appointed as the nodal officer for the 5 centers hosting 1,980 candidates, while DSP Sunil Kumar is managing traffic and parking outside the venues.
In the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, DC Hemraj Bairba stated that local police and ITBP personnel are deployed at 12 centers. A dedicated mobile application is being used to monitor the secure transit of question papers and OMR sheets. Candidates under the PwBD category will receive extra time as per regulations, with their exam concluding at 6:20 PM.
In Bihar, the administrations of Muzaffarpur and Purnia are also on alert. Muzaffarpur has set up 13 centers monitored directly from a control room, with altered traffic routes to avoid congestion. In Purnia, 4,880 candidates are appearing across 12 centers.
Important Guidelines and Dress Code for Candidates
The NTA has advised candidates not to pay attention to any paper leak rumors on social media and trust only official updates. For the convenience of candidates, drinking water, ORS solution, ambulances, and shaded waiting areas for parents have been arranged at the centers.
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following guidelines:
- Dress Code: Both male and female candidates are advised to wear simple clothing. Only half-sleeve shirts or T-shirts are permitted. Candidates wearing full-sleeve clothes will be denied entry.
- Admit Card and Photographs: Candidates must bring a clean printout of their admit card (including all pages). The 4x6 inch postcard-size photo must be pasted beforehand on the proforma (page 2 of the admit card) from home. Additionally, carry 2-3 extra passport-size photographs (matching the one uploaded in the application form) for the attendance sheet.
- Identification Proof: A valid original government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhar Card, E-Aadhar, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport) must be presented during verification. Photocopies or digital copies on mobile phones will not be accepted.
- PwBD Candidates: Candidates under the PwBD category who have requested compensatory time or a scribe must bring their original medical certificate issued by a competent authority.
Mock Drills and Overseas Centers
To ensure smooth logistics, a nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 20 in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and the Postal Department. Beyond India, NEET is also being conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 'The Indian High School' in Dubai and 'Sharjah Indian School' in Sharjah have been designated as the overseas exam centers.
