Watch: IAF helicopter delivers NEET re-test papers to Madhya Pradesh
Ahead of the June 21 NEET UG 2026 re-test, the Indian Air Force has joined the examination security operation by airlifting question papers across the country. A helicopter delivered papers to Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, as authorities tightened transport, storage and distribution protocols following the paper leak controversy.
With just days left for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, security arrangements have moved into high gear. In a rare sight, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter landed at the Imlikheda airstrip in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara carrying sealed question papers for the June 21 re-test.
The papers were transported under tight security and later moved to a designated strong room under police supervision, officials said. The move is part of a nationwide effort by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent any possibility of paper leaks or tampering during the re-examination process.
The deployment of the IAF comes after the cancellation of the earlier NEET UG 2026 exam following allegations of a paper leak. Authorities have since introduced several additional security measures aimed at restoring confidence in the country's largest medical entrance examination.
AIR ROUTE FOR EXTRA SECURITY
According to officials, transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed to carry question papers to nearly 18 regional hubs across India. From these locations, the papers will be distributed to examination centres under strict monitoring.
Helicopters are being used particularly for remote and difficult-to-access regions where ground transportation could increase delays or security risks. Officials say the objective is to maintain an uninterrupted chain of custody from printing facilities to exam centres.
TAMIL NADU ALSO PREPARING HELICOPTER DELIVERY
Similar arrangements are being made in Tamil Nadu, where authorities recently conducted a trial helicopter landing at the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground. Under the proposed plan, question papers will be flown from Delhi to Madurai and then airlifted to Tirunelveli under security cover.
Officials say the use of military aircraft and helicopters reflects the government's attempt to eliminate vulnerabilities in the transportation process and ensure that the June 21 re-test is conducted without controversy.
The NEET UG re-exam will be held on June 21 for candidates affected by the cancellation of the earlier test, with authorities promising a zero-compromise approach to security and transparency.
With just days left for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, security arrangements have moved into high gear. In a rare sight, an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter landed at the Imlikheda airstrip in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara carrying sealed question papers for the June 21 re-test.
The papers were transported under tight security and later moved to a designated strong room under police supervision, officials said. The move is part of a nationwide effort by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent any possibility of paper leaks or tampering during the re-examination process.
The deployment of the IAF comes after the cancellation of the earlier NEET UG 2026 exam following allegations of a paper leak. Authorities have since introduced several additional security measures aimed at restoring confidence in the country's largest medical entrance examination.
AIR ROUTE FOR EXTRA SECURITY
According to officials, transport aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed to carry question papers to nearly 18 regional hubs across India. From these locations, the papers will be distributed to examination centres under strict monitoring.
Helicopters are being used particularly for remote and difficult-to-access regions where ground transportation could increase delays or security risks. Officials say the objective is to maintain an uninterrupted chain of custody from printing facilities to exam centres.
TAMIL NADU ALSO PREPARING HELICOPTER DELIVERY
Similar arrangements are being made in Tamil Nadu, where authorities recently conducted a trial helicopter landing at the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground. Under the proposed plan, question papers will be flown from Delhi to Madurai and then airlifted to Tirunelveli under security cover.
Officials say the use of military aircraft and helicopters reflects the government's attempt to eliminate vulnerabilities in the transportation process and ensure that the June 21 re-test is conducted without controversy.
The NEET UG re-exam will be held on June 21 for candidates affected by the cancellation of the earlier test, with authorities promising a zero-compromise approach to security and transparency.
