NEET UG re-test in Ahmedabad: Drones, CCTV, QRTs guard 23 centres
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Ahmedabad City Police has deployed a multi-layered security apparatus for the NEET UG re-examination on 21 June 2026, covering all 23 examination centres across the city where 10,445 candidates are scheduled to appear. The arrangements — spanning live CCTV monitoring, aerial drone surveillance, and Quick Response Teams — follow guidelines issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is conducting the nationwide re-test after the original 3 May examination was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak.
Security Arrangements on the Ground
Six Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), officers from 15 police station jurisdictions, and their staff will remain on duty throughout the examination window of 2 pm to 5:15 pm IST. PSI-rank officers have been designated as nodal officers at every centre, and a comprehensive deployment briefing was conducted for all personnel ahead of the examination.
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has positioned Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at strategic locations, while eight drones will conduct aerial surveillance over areas surrounding the examination centres. Moving CCTV units will operate outside each venue, with all feeds streamed live to the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner's Control Room.
Traffic and Logistics Management
All Station House Officers (SHOs) and personnel from 14 traffic police stations have been deployed to regulate movement and ensure candidates reach their centres without disruption. Police escorts will accompany the transportation of question papers to each venue — a direct response to the security lapses cited in the cancellation of the original test.
The Police Commissioner has additionally issued a notification directing photocopy centres in the vicinity of examination venues to remain shut during the examination period.
What DCP Reema Munshi Said
DCP (Control Room) Reema Munshi confirmed the scale of the operation: 'Ahmedabad City Police is fully prepared with comprehensive security arrangements for the NEET re-examination. There are 23 examination centres in Ahmedabad city and approximately 10,445 students will appear for the examination. Six DCPs, personnel from 15 police station jurisdictions and their staff will remain on duty as part of the security arrangements.'
She added: 'All SHOs and staff from 14 traffic police stations will regulate traffic adequately and ensure that students face no inconvenience in reaching any of the 23 examination centres. The Crime Branch has deployed QRTs, and surveillance around examination centres will be conducted through eight drones.'
Cyber Monitoring and Misinformation Control
The Cyber Crime Branch will monitor social media platforms throughout the examination period. The city's social media cell will remain active to counter rumours, misinformation, or any content that could cause panic among candidates or the public — a pointed measure given that misinformation about the original paper leak spread rapidly online. Notably, the NTA also conducted a nationwide mock drill on Saturday to test preparedness ahead of the re-test.
National Context
The NEET UG 2026 re-examination is being held under enhanced protocols and revised procedures announced by the NTA and the Ministry of Education. Across the country, more than 22 lakh candidates are expected to sit for the re-test. The Ahmedabad deployment reflects the heightened scrutiny that examination authorities are operating under, with student groups and courts watching closely for any repeat irregularity.