Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for students, the Odisha government has announced free bus travel for candidates appearing in the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21. The initiative aims to ensure hassle-free transportation and help candidates reach their examination centres on time without facing travel-related difficulties.
The decision has been taken by the state’s Commerce and Transport Department, which has directed the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation to provide free transportation facilities to eligible candidates across Odisha.
Free Travel on OSRTC Buses
Candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) re-examination can avail themselves of the free bus service by simply showing their NEET UG admit card while travelling on OSRTC buses.
The facility has been introduced to ease the burden on students and their families, particularly those travelling long distances to examination centres.
Officials said the move is intended to ensure that no candidate faces transportation challenges on the day of the examination.
Nearly 57,000 Students to Appear
According to official estimates, 56,983 candidates are expected to appear for the NEET (UG) re-examination across Odisha.
The examination will be conducted at 134 examination centres located in different parts of the state.
Given the large number of candidates and the significance of the national-level medical entrance examination, the government has taken special measures to facilitate smooth travel and examination-day arrangements.
Major Relief for Rural Students
The free bus service is expected to be particularly beneficial for students from rural, tribal and remote regions who often have to travel considerable distances to reach examination centres.
By providing free transportation, the government aims to:
- Ensure timely arrival at examination centres
- Reduce travel expenses for families
- Minimize examination-day stress
- Improve accessibility for candidates from remote areas
- Facilitate smooth conduct of the NEET re-examination
State Preparing for Smooth Examination Conduct
The announcement comes as the Odisha government continues preparations for the safe and transparent conduct of the NEET (UG) re-examination. District administrations, police authorities and education officials have already been instructed to make necessary arrangements regarding security, transportation, traffic management and candidate convenience.
With free bus services now available, thousands of aspirants across Odisha are expected to benefit from easier access to examination centres on June 21.
