After Delhi, U'khand govt offers free bus ride for permanent residents appearing for NEET-UG re-exam
Dehradun, June 10
The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday announced free travel in state Transport Corporation buses for permanent residents of the state set to appear in the NEET-2026 re-examination on June 21. The decision comes days after a similar promise made by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The BJP government in Uttarakhand, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, said that the candidates appearing for the exam can avail the facility by showing their admit card and may travel free in ordinary-category buses from two days before the exam until the exam date, and for up to two days after the exam while returning from the exam centre to their home or place of residence.
Last month, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta promised free travel in DTC buses for all students appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 retest.
Showing a valid admit card for an exam centre will allow the students to travel in public transport buses for free, an official had said.
In a message on social media platform X, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "To support candidates appearing for NEET (UG) 2026 on June 21, the Delhi government will provide free travel in all DTC buses upon presentation of a valid admit card."
"No student should face inconvenience on a day that holds such importance for their future. My best wishes to all NEET aspirants. May their hard work and determination lead them to success," the Chief Minister added.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026, or the qualifying exam to join an MBBS course held earlier on May 3, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency over allegations of irregularities. The CBI is investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Tuesday that the various ministries of the Central government are undertaking all possible precautions to ensure that the NEET-UG re-examination is conducted without any irregularities. He added that the Chief Ministers and administration of all states are also cooperating.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Free bus rides? Seriously? This is just vote-bank politics. The real issue is the exam mess—thousands of students lost months due to the cancellation. Instead of optics, both Delhi and Uttarakhand should focus on providing extra study support or mental health helplines. Band-aid solutions won't fix the broken system.
Good gesture, but feels like a knee-jerk reaction. Many students in Uttarakhand's remote areas may not even have access to these bus routes. Real support would be ensuring exam centres are closer to villages. Still, better than nothing! Hope the June 21 exam goes smoothly.
U'khand follows Delhi's lead—good political coordination finally! But why only 'ordinary' buses? AC buses charge more; students from hilly areas already suffer. And what about the extra days? Many travel from far-off villages and need accommodation too. ₹50 bus ride won't solve the real problems.
Small steps matter. My cousin in Dehradun will use this facility—it's a burden off her parents' shoulders. But I agree with others: the bigger issue is the paper leak. Dharmendra Pradhan's 'all precautions' sounds hollow after last time. Hope CBI actually nails the culprits.
Honestly, it's embarrassing that such basic support is being celebrated as a 'scheme'. Why can't states offer more permanent help? Free transport for all board exams, not just NEET. Students are not charity cases—we need systemic change, not photo-ops. But yes, for this June 21, glad some students will save money.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.