IAF likely to complete delivery of NEET-UG question papers to centres by Wednesday, over 200 sorties flown
New Delhi, June 16
In an unprecedented operation to eliminate the threat of paper leaks, the Indian Air Force is executing a massive aerial logistics mission to securely deliver NEET-UG question papers across the country.
Operating under tight wraps for the last four days, the IAF has flown more than 200 sorties using its transport aircraft and helicopters.
The nationwide distribution mission is expected to wrap up by Wednesday.
Sources informed ANI that the Indian Air Force used its transport aircraft and choppers to pick up question papers from two hubs and distribute them to different centres at more than 20 locations, and the effort is likely to be completed by tomorrow evening.
The effort had started on June 13 as part of the government's aim to prevent leakage of question papers for the prestigious exam, they said.
The Indian Air Force officials refused to divulge any details about the effort. With student distress hitting a breaking point due to repeated irregularities, the state is treating the protection of test papers as a matter of vital national security--effectively treating the exam sheets with the same tactical urgency as sensitive defence assets.
Under the proposed plan, the question papers will be flown from Delhi to Madurai by aircraft. From there, they will be transported to the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground in an Indian Army helicopter under the protection of Air Force officials. A mock drill was conducted to test these security arrangements.
An Indian Army helicopter conducted a trial landing at the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground as part of preparations to transport NEET-UG 2026 question papers under enhanced security arrangements.
The NEET examination held last month was cancelled following allegations of question paper leakage, after which authorities announced that the re-examination would be conducted on June 21.
Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) restricted access to the Telegram platform in India for a defined and limited period ending June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The restriction addresses the specific structural feature through which the platform has been used to fabricate after-the-event "paper leak" evidence in respect of national examinations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Over 200 sorties and 20 locations? That's an impressive logistical feat. But why did it take a massive scandal to implement such security? Our students deserve this level of protection every year, not just after a fiasco. Hope the re-exam goes smoothly on June 21.
As someone who has studied the Indian education system, this is a welcome step. The IAF's involvement adds a layer of transparency and security that was badly needed. But blocking Telegram? That seems heavy-handed. There are better ways to combat misinformation without restricting access.
It's great that the IAF is protecting the integrity of NEET-UG, but I'm worried about the cost. How many lakhs of taxpayer money is being spent on this? And will this be a permanent solution or just a one-time fix? Students need a robust system, not just temporary Band-Aids.
Impressive security measures, but the Telegram ban is concerning. It feels like the government is using the paper leak issue as an excuse to crack down on digital freedom. Let's hope this is truly temporary and not a slippery slope. Transparency is key.
This is what we call 'zero tolerance' for corruption! The IAF doing a mock drill and transporting papers like defence assets shows the government means business. Students who worked hard deserve this security. Kudos to the armed forces for stepping up! 👏
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