NTA steps up NEET-UG 2026 re-exam security, including Telegram curbs and helicopter paper transport

Ahead of theNEET (UG) 2026 re-examinationscheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a detailed advisory outlining biometric verification procedures and special provisions for candidates who may face difficulties during the authentication process.The advisory, issued on June 18, forms part of the enhanced security measures being implemented for the re-examination and is aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and secure examination process across the country.NEET 2026: 17,734 Students To Appear At 50 Centres In Chhatrapati SambhajinagarAccording to the NTA, all candidates appearing for the re-examination will be required to undergo biometric verification before being allowed to enter their examination rooms.Biometric verification mandatory before entryThe agency said that candidates must complete biometric authentication, either through fingerprint verification or facial recognition, after the mandatory frisking process at the examination centre.The verification will be carried out before candidates are permitted to enter the examination hall and is being introduced as an additional layer of security for the re-examination.Officials have advised candidates to cooperate fully with examination staff and security personnel to ensure smooth entry procedures on exam day.NTA introduces exception protocolRecognising that technical or personal challenges may arise during biometric verification, the NTA has also introduced an exception protocol to ensure that genuine candidates are not disadvantaged.Centre VS Telegram: Delhi High Court Reserves Order On Telegram Ban In India Under the guidelines, candidates will still be allowed to appear for the examination if biometric verification cannot be completed due to:Device or hardware failurePoor quality biometric dataConnectivity issues with UIDAI serversPhysical inability to provide biometric dataIn such cases, candidates will be required to submit a written undertaking at the examination centre. The prescribed format for the undertaking will be made available by the Centre Superintendent.The agency clarified that candidates facing such issues will not be denied entry solely because biometric authentication could not be completed.Candidates will not be disturbed during examinationThe NTA has also directed examination centres to ensure that candidates are not interrupted during the actual examination for biometric-related procedures.According to the advisory, any pending biometric processing will be completed either before the examination begins or after it concludes.'Telegram Has Emerged As A Preferred Platform For Terrorist Activities': Centre To Delhi High Court Amid App Ban The move is intended to prevent disruptions and allow candidates to focus entirely on the examination once it starts.Exam timings remain unchangedThe NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. For eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates who are entitled to compensatory time, the examination will continue until 6:20 PM.The NTA noted that invigilation and other examination-related formalities will be completed within the prescribed schedule.Warning against refusal of verificationThe agency has cautioned candidates against refusing biometric verification without a valid and documented reason. According to the advisory, refusal to undergo the verification process may be treated as a violation of examination norms and could attract action under the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.Reliance Jio Denies BGP Hijacking Allegations After Telegram CEO’s Claims The NTA said these measures are part of its broader efforts to strengthen examination security and maintain the integrity of the re-examination process.Helpdesk Details for CandidatesCandidates seeking clarification regarding the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination can contact the NTA Helpdesk at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700. Queries can also be sent through email to neetug2026@nta.ac.in.

NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam: As the NEET UG 2026 test is only three days away, the NTA has released advice for aspirants asking them to stay calm, not get fooled by any information, and get help if they are stressed with the approaching entrance test. A message to our studentsThe NEET UG 2026 examination is just three days away. To every candidate: you have worked hard, you have prepared, and now is the time to trust your effort. Stay calm, rest well, and focus on doing your best. That is all that is asked of you.The…— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 18, 2026The National Testing Agency in a X statement directed at students mentioned that there is pressure when dealing with one of the most demanding entrance tests in the country and requested all aspirants to have faith in their preparation.NEET UG 2026 is scheduled to be held on June 21 for admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country.NTA asks students to Stay Focused and Ignore rumoursAs discussions surrounding the examination continue on social media, the NTA advised candidates not to pay attention to unverified claims, particularly rumours regarding a possible postponement of the examination.The agency reiterated that the examination will be conducted as scheduled and urged students to rely only on official announcements and communications."Stay calm, rest well, and focus on doing your best," the agency said, adding that candidates have already put in months of preparation and should now approach the examination with confidence.MANAS helpline available for students facing stressRecognising the mental and emotional pressure many students experience before major examinations, the NTA reminded candidates that support is available through the MANAS mental health helpline.Students who are feeling anxious, stressed, or emotionally burdened can reach out to the helpline by dialling 14416.The agency emphasised that seeking help should not be viewed as a weakness and encouraged students to use the service whenever needed."If the pressure feels heavy, please know you are not alone," the statement said, reassuring aspirants that support systems are in place for their well-being.Examination security measures strengthenedThe NTA also sought to reassure candidates about the integrity of the examination process.According to the agency, elaborate plans have been put in place following consultations with various ministries, state governments, and security organizations with a view to ensuring that the examination takes place in a safe, secure, and fair manner.The agency said that elaborate mechanisms had been put in place and that attempts to indulge in any malpractice would face a harsh response.Appeal to Parents and TeachersIn addition to talking to the candidates, the NTA also made a request to the parents, teachers, and society at large to create a peaceful atmosphere before the exams.The agency requested everyone not to circulate any unauthenticated information and motivate the candidates to stay focused without making them anxious.For lakhs of hopefuls gearing up for NEET UG 2026, the message from NTA is crystal clear, believe in yourself and avoid rumors. As the date of the examination draws near, the agency has promised to ensure the well-being of the candidates.

New Delhi: In an unprecedented move to restore confidence in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) following the paper leak controversy, the Center has introduced stringent security measures inspired by China's highly secure Gaokao examination system, as per the Bloomberg Report.The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made extraordinary arrangements ahead of the NEET UG 2026 retest on June 21. The Bloomberg Report also says the extraordinary measures include deployment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to transport question papers, enhanced surveillance of paper setters, and restrictions on communication channels to prevent the spread of confidential information.According to official statements, the government has restricted access to the messaging platform Telegram until June 22. The move comes amid concerns over the misuse of digital platforms for sharing leaked examination material.China-Style Security FrameworkThe Bloomberg Report states that the approach closely mirrors China's security arrangements for the Gaokao exam, the country's highly competitive university entrance examination taken by millions of students annually.In China, authorities use police escorts to transport examination papers, maintain tight security at exam centres, and isolate question paper setters from outside communication for extended periods of time. The report further added that the Question papers are transported and stored under armed guard, and teachers preparing tests are isolated from the outside world for several weeks. Several technology companies reportedly restricted access to artificial intelligence tools during last year's Gaokao exam in order to prevent candidates from misusing the chatbots.China's Gaokao — the world's largest exam & India's equivalent of JEE/NEET rolled into one — was conducted smoothly for 1.3 crore students in just 2 days Factories paused. Roads quieted. The entire nation rallied for its students.चीन की गाओकाओ — दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी परीक्षा,… pic.twitter.com/aSbpL05suN— Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) June 10, 2026 Highlighting the significance of the examination, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing noted on social media that the entire nation mobilises to ensure smooth conduct of the Gaokao, which was taken by nearly 13 million students this year. “Factories paused. Roads quieted. The entire nation rallied for its students,” Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, posted on X on June 10.Measures Introduced for NEET Re-Exam 2026The NEET Re Exam 2026 will be conducted under a multi-layered security system with various government measures in place, including: Preparations for the NEET UG 2026 re examination are being closely reviewed at every level.With coordinated efforts across the Centre, States and Districts, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth and secure examination experience for every candidate.#NTA #NTAUpdate #NTAExams… pic.twitter.com/lGFoemjs8K— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 12, 2026 NTA Places Paper Setters, Moderators, and Translators Under Strict LockdownTelegram Suspended and Message Editing Disabled to Prevent FraudIAF, CRPF, and CISF Deployed for Question Paper SecurityStates Roll Out Free and Concessional Travel Support for NEET CandidatesNTA Places Paper Setters, Moderators, and Translators Under Strict LockdownThe National Testing Agency (NTA) has placed all paper setters, moderators, and translators involved in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination under a strict lockdown at a secure, undisclosed location until the exam is conducted on June 21, 2026. Officials have been barred from using mobile phones, laptops, and other personal communication devices, while internet access and external communication remain heavily restricted.Telegram Suspended, Message Editing Disabled to Prevent FraudIn a bid to safeguard the integrity of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the Centre has taken two unprecedented measures based on NTA recommendations. Telegram has been suspended nationwide until June 22 to disrupt organised fraud operations, and its message-editing feature has been disabled until June 30 to prevent the backdated creation or alteration of content that could be used as false paper-leak evidence.IAF and CAPF Deployed for Question Paper SecurityThe Indian Air Force (IAF) has been tasked with transporting sealed NEET-UG 2026 re-examination question papers to 18 regional hubs across the country ahead of the nationwide test scheduled for June 21, 2026.Additionally, personnel from two central armed police forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), have been deployed to transport the papers from airports to banks and then to exam centres. State police will assist the CAPF personnel at each centre to ensure safe and secure delivery of the examination material.States Roll Out Travel Assistance for NEET CandidatesSeveral states have announced travel support for NEET UG 2026 re-exam candidates on and around June 21. Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttarakhand are offering free bus travel to eligible candidates, with Punjab also extending the benefit to one guardian and Uttarakhand providing free travel for residents from two days before to two days after the exam. Bihar's free travel scheme runs from June 20 until one day after the examination. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has announced a 50% concession on state bus fares for NEET candidates to ease their travel burden on exam day.NTA Launches Awareness Campaign Against Exam ScamsThe National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched a fresh awareness campaign warning students and parents about online scams that falsely promise access to leaked question papers. “Your hard work is what will get you through this exam, not a Telegram channel,” the agency said, urging students not to let misinformation distract them in the final days before the test. Don't let rumours decide your NEET (UG) 2026 journey. No one, repeat, no one has access to the question paper before the exam. If you spot a fake website, a "leaked paper" offer, or someone posing as an NTA official, report it. We've got your back.Report now:… pic.twitter.com/oUQSLKknI2— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 15, 2026 What are Major Changes Introduced In Exam Pattern ?These are major changes introduced in the exam pattern for the benefit of candidates: Exam Duration Extended to 195 MinutesThe NTA has also extended the exam duration to 195 minutes, with the test now scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. The additional time accounts for mandatory procedures such as attendance verification, signatures, and invigilation formalities, ensuring that candidates receive the full allotted time to attempt the question paper.Extra Rough Work Pages and Revised Paper LayoutTo support students during the examination, the number of rough-work pages has been increased from two to four, providing extra space for calculations, diagrams, and other workings. The question paper layout has also been revised for greater convenience. Two rough-work pages will now be placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while the remaining two pages will be provided at the end.India and China have some of the world’s biggest and most competitive exams. A good performance can have a huge impact on a student’s education and career.Designed around your needs.NEET UG 2026 introduces thoughtful enhancements to provide more working space, improved accessibility and a more candidate friendly examination experience.#NTA #NTAUpdate #NTAExams #NEETUG2026 #ExamExperience pic.twitter.com/xLpL8SanRF— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 12, 2026 What Researcher States?As per the Bloomberg Report, Gilles Verniers, a researcher at the Paris-based Center for International Studies, stated, “In both countries, the pressure is immense. Education is the main way, if not the only way, to upward social mobility.”Political and Public ScrutinyThe NEET paper leak controversy had met with flak and protests across the country. Opposition parties raised questions about the credibility of the examination process, while student groups called for more accountability from the authorities.The issue gained more traction after allegations of irregularities in the examination and evaluation process surfaced, and the government beefed up security mechanisms for future tests.With the NEET retest approaching, authorities are hopeful that the beefed-up security framework will go a long way in ensuring a fair and transparent examination process while restoring public confidence in one of India’s most important entrance examinations.

New Delhi, Jun 16: The National Testing Agency (NTA) and IIT Madras on Tuesday justified the temporary restriction on Telegram ahead of the re-NEET examination, citing instances where the platform was allegedly used to fabricate evidence of question paper leaks through edited messages carrying old timestamps.The Internet Freedom Foundation, however, criticised the government's curbs on Telegram, calling the move a band-aid solution and a "disproportionate" response to exam fraud.Google has removed messaging app Telegram from the Play Store and Apple is likely to follow suit in compliance with a government order, sources aware of the development said.Explaining the rationale behind the restrictions on Telegram, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the step was taken to safeguard the integrity of the re-NEET examination following the cancellation of the May 3 exam over malpractice allegations."The primary reason for cancelling the exam and ordering a re-exam and CBI inquiry was to ensure that nobody violates the sanctity, the integrity of the NTA examination, the NEET examinations, and nobody should be able to take away the rights of hard-working students," Singh said in a video message on X.Delhi: When asked whether he is sure that there will be no leakage in the NEET re-examination, National Testing Agency (NTA) DG Abhishek Singh says, "We have ensured complete security in all our processes - right from the stage of making the question papers to translation into 12… pic.twitter.com/03Oic2MQF2— IANS (@ians_india) June 16, 2026He acknowledged the burden on candidates who have been asked to appear again."This is a big hardship for the students who had to appear at the exam again. We fully understand that and that's why we are not leaving any stone unturned for ensuring that examinations are conducted in a safe, secure, trustworthy manner," he said.According to Singh, one of the major concerns was the misuse of Telegram channels claiming to sell question papers."Social media is flooded with such stories about Telegram channels claiming to sell re-examination papers. We have verified every claim and what we have found is that they are all fake," he said, adding, "None of them has access to the actual papers." He said those behind such channels exploit students and parents by taking money on false promises."Anyone claiming to sell you any paper is lying, scamming and fooling you...," he said.Singh also alleged that Telegram channels use message-editing features to create a false impression that question papers were available before the examination."What Telegram channels have been doing for long is that they show videos and screenshots of Telegram chats that appear to contain question papers with dates which are before the examination," he said.Singh cited an instance from the May 3 NEET examination to explain how the alleged misuse worked. "On May 3, when the examination was conducted, we got a similar complaint wherein a video was circulated by several handles after the examination was conducted, which showed a question paper that was shared on that Telegram channel on May 1, that is, two days before the examination," he said.According to Singh, the NTA investigated the matter and found that the question paper shown in the video carried a unique identifier. "Every question paper in the NEET examination has a unique identifier. So we are able to track it," he said.Elaborating on the probe, Singh said the NTA was able to trace the question paper shown in the viral video to a specific candidate through its unique identifier."We identified that question paper which was shown in that video. It was given to one candidate at Government Higher Secondary School, Sagam Anantnag in J-K. This question paper was given to that student on May 3 under the magistrate's supervision."We verified the entire CCTV content. We also identified the student to whom it was given. We even got his attendance sheet verified. That student had appeared in the May 3 examination," he said."The student's OMR sheet also was received back to NTA after the conduct of the examination. So it was clear that this Telegram chat was fabricated," he said.According to him, the probe found that Telegram allows channel administrators to edit previously posted messages while retaining the original timestamp."Telegram has a vulnerability in which it allows the admins of a Telegram channel to edit a chat in the past date... When they do that, the timestamp remains the same," Singh said.Explaining the issue, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti said Telegram allows users to edit messages without altering the original timestamp.Kharghar Residents Question CIDCO's Marathon Approval While Morning Walkers Remain Barred From Hill"The Telegram platform has a vulnerability. You can send a message today at 3 pm and you can edit the message tomorrow or some other day later without changing the timestamp. So, for people who look at the message tomorrow or later, it will look as if he had sent the message at 3 pm today," Kamakoti said."Using this vulnerability, there's been an attempt in the past too," he said.Kamakoti said similar instances had been observed in other competitive examinations. "There's been an attempt in the past to create confusion and panic among candidates who appeared for multiple competitive examinations. At least two instances, to the best of my knowledge -- one in the case of JEE Advanced and another in the case of IISER Aptitude Test," he said.Kamakoti also demonstrated the Telegram trick live. A student sends "pdf1.pdf" at 3:39 PM. A minute later, the message is edited and the file is silently replaced with "pdf2.pdf". The timestamp still reads 3:39 PM and nothing indicates that anything changed."Telegram allows this for up to 48 hours after a message is sent," the NTA post said."This is exactly how fake 'leak' videos are made," it added.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and auto-generated from an agency feed.)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a stern warning to NEET UG 2026 re-examination candidates and parents regarding Telegram scams. Fraudsters are demanding hefty payments for allegedly leaked question papers, but the NTA confirms all such claims are fake and security measures prevent any leaks. Candidates are urged to focus on revision and trust only official NTA updates.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched a fresh awareness campaign warning students and parents about online scams that falsely promise access to leaked question papers.In a series of posts on social media, the agency urged candidates to remain vigilant and watch an explanatory video detailing how fraudsters are using Telegram channels to exploit exam-related anxiety. The warning comes ahead of the NEET-UG re-exam scheduled for June 21.To every NEET candidate and parent - please watch this. A few minutes that could save you serious money and stress this week.Scammers on Telegram were running two rackets targeting you:1️⃣ Channels demanding ₹14,000 to ₹25,000 - some even ₹10 lakh - claiming they'll send you… pic.twitter.com/aqpickJLAv— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 16, 2026NTA issues warning ahead of re-exam"To every NEET candidate and parent, please watch this. A few minutes that could save you serious money and stress this week," the NTA said in one of its posts, cautioning students against falling for claims of leaked examination papers circulating online.According to the agency, scammers have been operating through Telegram groups and channels, demanding anywhere between ₹14,000 and ₹25,000 for alleged access to the re-exam paper. In some cases, candidates were reportedly asked to pay as much as ₹10 lakh. The NTA stressed that no leaked paper exists and warned that students who transfer money are not only likely to lose it but may also expose their personal information to fraud networks.Officials said many victims unknowingly share details such as admit card information and WhatsApp numbers while engaging with such groups. Once obtained, this information can be used to target other students through similar scams.Fake proof and message manipulation tacticsThe agency also highlighted a second tactic increasingly being used to make fake paper leak claims appear credible. Fraudsters circulate videos and screenshots that seem to show examination papers being shared before the test. However, according to the NTA, these so-called "proofs" are often fabricated using Telegram's message-editing feature.To explain how the manipulation works, the agency shared videos featuring Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Madras and a member of the National Security Advisory Board.In one video, Kamakoti explains how Telegram administrators can edit older messages while retaining the original timestamp, creating the false impression that a document was shared before an examination. He noted that similar methods had previously been used to spread fake leak claims related to other competitive examinations, including JEE Advanced and the IISER Aptitude Test.In a follow-up demonstration, he showed how a file sent through Telegram could later be replaced with an entirely different document while continuing to display the original sending time. Such edits, he explained, can be made for up to 48 hours after a message is posted. While demonstrating the issue, he deliberately avoided revealing the exact process, saying the objective was to raise awareness rather than provide a guide for misuse.Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of @iitmadras, explains the exact Telegram trick — and shows how it's already been used to fake "leaks" for JEE Advanced and the IISER Aptitude Test.Same playbook, different exam. His message to NEET candidates and parents: don't fall for it. Stay… pic.twitter.com/GFOHZuUKok— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 16, 2026In one video, Kamakoti explains how Telegram administrators can edit older messages while retaining the original timestamp, creating the false impression that a document was shared before an examination. He noted that similar methods had previously been used to spread fake leak claims related to other competitive examinations, including JEE Advanced and the IISER Aptitude Test.In this follow-up, Prof. V. Kamakoti (Director, @iitmadras and Member, National Security Advisory Board) demonstrates the Telegram trick live.A student sends "pdf1.pdf" at 3:39 PM. A minute later, the message is edited — the file is silently replaced with "pdf2.pdf". The… pic.twitter.com/dW7xzS7ebF— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 16, 2026“Don’t fall for it,” says NTA"The same trick will be tried again after June 21," the NTA warned. "Don't fall for it. Don't forward it. Don't pay anyone."The agency has advised candidates to rely only on information published through official channels and to verify any examination-related updates through the NTA website and verified social media handles.NTA STATEMENT REGARDING THE ACTION ON TELEGRAM PLATFORM IN INDIA1. The National Testing Agency (NTA) welcomes the directions issued today in respect of the Telegram platform in India. The directions, issued on recommendations of NTA are calibrated and bounded in time:(a) a…— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) June 16, 2026Government action against Telegram misuseThe awareness drive coincides with broader measures announced to tackle misinformation and cyber fraud linked to the examination. The NTA has welcomed a series of steps taken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), saying they are aimed at protecting students from organised online scams.According to the agency, access to Telegram in India will be temporarily restricted until June 22, covering the examination period and its immediate aftermath. The messaging platform has also been directed to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30.The NTA said these measures were introduced following concerns that coordinated groups were using Telegram channels to spread false paper leak claims and deceive candidates into making payments.Several channels allegedly operated under names such as "PAPER LEAKED NEET", "Re-NEET 2026" and "Private Mafia", claiming to have access to examination material and offering guaranteed success in exchange for money.Appeal to students and parentsReiterating its position, the agency said no individual, institution or online platform has access to the NEET-UG 2026 question paper before the examination is conducted.As the re-exam approaches, the NTA has appealed to students to stay focused on preparation rather than rumours circulating online. Candidates and parents have also been asked to report suspicious messages, demands for money or fake paper leak claims through the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or the government's cybercrime reporting portal."Your hard work is what will get you through this exam. Not a Telegram channel," the agency said, urging students not to let misinformation distract them in the final days before the test.