The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has announced free bus travel for all NEET-UG candidates across the state ahead of the re-examination scheduled for 21 June, following the cancellation of the original exam amid an alleged paper leak. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirmed that students need only present their valid NEET admit cards to avail the facility on government buses.

What the Free Travel Scheme Covers

The concession applies to all government-operated buses across Bihar on the day of the re-examination. Students are required to carry their admit cards at all times during travel. The facility is intended to remove transportation as a financial or logistical barrier for the lakhs of aspirants appearing for the rescheduled test.

Chief Minister Choudhary also extended his best wishes to all candidates, underscoring the state government's commitment to ensuring a smooth examination experience.

Ground-Level Arrangements Near Exam Centres

The state government has directed district administrations to put in place comprehensive support infrastructure near bus stands, railway stations, and examination centres. Authorities have been instructed to provide drinking water, shaded waiting areas, sattu, and other essential amenities for students and accompanying family members.

Local administrations have also been asked to ensure that candidates travelling from outside their home districts face no inconvenience in reaching examination venues. Traffic management plans are being drawn up, security arrangements are being reinforced, and additional buses are being deployed around examination centres to facilitate smooth movement.

Background: NEET-UG Paper Leak and Cancellation

The NEET-UG examination was originally conducted on 3 May but was cancelled after an alleged paper leak triggered widespread controversy. The cancellation set off a wave of anxiety and uncertainty among students who had been preparing intensively for the test — India's largest medical entrance examination, with lakhs of aspirants competing annually for seats in medical colleges.

The alleged leak also placed significant financial and psychological stress on students and their families, many of whom had invested months in preparation and incurred considerable examination-related expenses.

What Candidates Should Keep in Mind

Officials have advised students to begin their journeys well in advance of the examination and to keep their admit cards accessible throughout. The free travel benefit is strictly conditional on the presentation of a valid NEET admit card — no other document will qualify.

With preparations already underway across multiple districts, the Bihar government's multi-pronged approach — from free transport to on-ground amenities — signals an effort to prevent logistical hurdles from compounding the stress already borne by candidates following the paper leak episode. All eyes will now be on the smooth conduct of the 21 June re-examination.