NEET-UG Re-exam in Gujarat: Security Enhanced After Paper Leak
More than 79,000 students from Gujarat, including over 10,400 in Ahmedabad, will sit for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) re-exam on Sunday, July 23, after the original exam on May 3 was cancelled due to a paper leak. Authorities have implemented unprecedented security arrangements covering question paper transport, candidate entry, and surveillance at exam centres.
Massive Candidate Turnout Across Gujarat
Nationwide, around 22.8 lakh candidates have registered for NEET-UG this year. Gujarat accounts for 79,190 candidates, who will appear at 211 exam centres across the state. Ahmedabad has the highest concentration of centres, with 23 venues catering to 10,445 candidates. The exam is mandatory for admission to undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS, BDS, ayurveda, and homeopathy.
Multi-Layered Security Measures in Place
To prevent malpractice, authorities have introduced a multi-layered security mechanism. “Question papers will be transported in GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while all exam centres will remain under CCTV surveillance. Candidates will undergo both digital and physical frisking before being allowed entry into exam halls,” said an official. Police and exam authorities have rolled out extensive security measures not only at exam centres but also for the transportation and handling of question papers.
Police Deployment and Monitoring
Officials said adequate police personnel have been deployed across centres in proportion to the number of candidates appearing for the exam. Senior police officers, including six deputy commissioners of police and officials of the city crime branch, will conduct inspections and oversee security arrangements at various centres. A central control room will closely monitor the exam process throughout the day, according to sources.
Exam Timings and Entry Rules
The exam will be conducted from 2pm to 5.15pm. Candidates must report to their respective centres between 11am and 1.30pm, after which entry will not be permitted under any circumstances. Authorities have also made arrangements to minimise traffic disruptions around exam venues, with parking facilities planned at centres to accommodate parents accompanying candidates.
Cybersecurity Measures
Meanwhile, the city cybercrime branch has been keeping a close watch on cyberspace for any suspicious activity or attempts to circulate exam-related material online, officials said.
