Gujarat Police have activated a comprehensive statewide security framework ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) scheduled for 21 June, with senior officers mandating fair, secure, and disruption-free conduct of the examination across all centres in the state.

High-Level Review and Nodal Command

The security preparations were reviewed on Tuesday by Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik during a statewide video conference that brought together all Police Commissioners, Range Inspectors General of Police, and District Police Chiefs. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Makarand Chauhan has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer to oversee all NEET-related law and order operations across Gujarat.

Security Arrangements at Examination Centres

Detailed deployment instructions have been issued, with security strength at each venue calibrated to the number of candidates expected. Officials have been directed to maintain strict vigilance around examination centres, including close monitoring of photocopy and xerox shops in the vicinity — a measure aimed at curbing paper-leak attempts. Police personnel have been instructed to carry out intensive frisking while ensuring that female candidates are treated with dignity and sensitivity. Courteous conduct towards accompanying parents and guardians has also been mandated.

Separate secure storage arrangements will be made at each venue for prohibited items including mobile phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices. Coordination with the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been a central focus, and all unit heads have been directed to conduct joint inspections of examination centres alongside NTA representatives on 20 June to identify and resolve any security gaps before candidates arrive.

Night Patrolling and Anti-Rumour Measures

Given the confidential movement of examination materials across the state, police will undertake intensive night patrolling from 19 to 21 June. Authorities have simultaneously stepped up social media monitoring to detect and act against rumours, misinformation, and any organised attempts to disrupt the examination process — reflecting lessons drawn from past NEET controversies that triggered national-level scrutiny.

Balancing NEET Duty with International Yoga Day

The examination coincides with International Yoga Day on 21 June, which has required additional planning. DGP Malik has instructed all police units to allocate separate manpower pools for Yoga Day events and NEET-related duties so that neither operation is compromised. This dual-deployment challenge adds logistical complexity to what is already one of the state's largest single-day law enforcement exercises.

What the DGP Said

At the review meeting, Malik stated that the objective of all measures was to ensure 'the fair, secure and disruption-free conduct of the NEET examination' while strengthening security and law enforcement arrangements statewide. He directed all units to remain fully prepared and coordinated in the lead-up to the examination to guarantee smooth conduct at every centre.

With NEET-UG having faced high-profile integrity controversies in recent years, the Gujarat Police's multi-layered security operation signals that authorities are leaving little to chance ahead of the 21 June test.