Bhubaneswar: With the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled to be held on June 21, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on June 5 conducted a high-level virtual review meeting with all District Collectors to assess preparedness and ensure the smooth, transparent and secure conduct of the national-level medical entrance examination across the state.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process and directed district administrations to make comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the test. She instructed officials to ensure strict adherence to security protocols, seamless coordination among departments, and effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent any irregularities.
NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam to Be Held at 132 Centres
According to official sources, the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM across 132 examination centres located in 27 cities of Odisha. A total of 56,983 candidates are expected to appear for the examination.
Authorities have been directed to deploy adequate numbers of magistrates, police personnel, invigilators and support staff at every examination centre to ensure a safe and orderly environment for candidates.
Focus on Security and Secure Transportation of Question Papers
A major focus of the review meeting was the strengthening of security arrangements. Discussions were held on the secure transportation and storage of question papers, protection of examination materials, surveillance systems, and emergency response mechanisms.
Officials were instructed to maintain strict confidentiality and ensure that examination materials are handled through secure channels to prevent any possibility of leaks or malpractice.
Enhanced CCTV Surveillance and Monitoring
To strengthen vigilance, district administrations have been asked to ensure the installation and proper functioning of CCTV surveillance systems at examination centres and other sensitive locations. Real-time monitoring arrangements will be put in place to detect and prevent any suspicious activity.
Collectors were also directed to coordinate closely with local police authorities to maintain law and order and manage crowd movement around examination centres.
Social Media Monitoring to Prevent Rumours and Malpractice
Recognising the growing role of digital platforms in spreading misinformation, the Chief Secretary instructed district authorities and police departments to closely monitor social media platforms before and during the examination.
Officials have been asked to take immediate action against any attempt to circulate rumours, fake question papers, misleading information, or content that could disrupt the examination process. Special cyber monitoring teams may be deployed to identify and respond to suspicious online activities.
Special Arrangements for Women and Divyang Candidates
The meeting also reviewed facilities for women candidates and persons with disabilities (Divyang candidates). District administrations have been instructed to provide necessary support services, including accessible infrastructure, separate assistance desks, medical facilities, drinking water, sanitation arrangements and other essential amenities.
The objective is to ensure that every candidate can appear for the examination in a safe, comfortable and stress-free environment.
Traffic Management and Inter-Departmental Coordination
Given the large number of candidates appearing for the examination, officials discussed comprehensive traffic management plans to facilitate smooth movement near examination centres.
District administrations have been asked to coordinate with transport authorities, police departments, education officials and other stakeholders to avoid congestion and ensure timely access to examination venues.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Arvind Agarwal, and senior officials from multiple departments participated in the review meeting and assessed the readiness of various districts.
NTA Coordinating Closely with Odisha Government
As per reports, National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh is closely coordinating with the Odisha government regarding examination arrangements.
The Higher Education Department is overseeing preparations on behalf of the state government to ensure compliance with NTA guidelines and examination protocols.
District-Level Review Meetings Ordered
Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed all District Collectors to convene district-level coordination and review meetings involving police, education, transport, health and administrative officials. These meetings will help identify any gaps in preparedness and ensure that all arrangements are completed well before the examination date.
Special Planning Due to International Day of Yoga
Since International Day of Yoga will also be observed on June 21, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to make separate administrative, logistical and security arrangements for both events.
Authorities have been asked to ensure that Yoga Day celebrations do not affect NEET examination operations and that adequate manpower is available for the smooth management of both programmes.
Government Committed to Fair and Transparent Examination
The Odisha government reiterated its commitment to conducting the NEET UG 2026 re-examination in a fair, transparent and secure manner. Officials stated that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the examination process and provide a conducive environment for nearly 57,000 aspiring medical students appearing for one of the country’s most important entrance examinations.
