The Air Force will transport the NEET question papers by air

An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter takes part in a test run ahead of the NEET-UG examination in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu on June 16, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed planes and helicopters to airlift question papers for the NEET-UG 2026 across the country as part of heightened security measures ahead of the test scheduled for June 21.

The operation was launched to ensure safe and timely delivery of confidential examination material after the earlier NEET-UG examination was canceled due to allegations of a massive paper leak.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is holding a review meeting for NEET exam preparations

According to official sources, the transportation of question papers started on June 16 and will continue till June 17. The papers are airlifted to more than 20 locations across the country by IAF transport aircraft, while Mi-17 helicopters are deployed for onward movement to remote and hard-to-reach areas.

A senior official confirmed that question papers were delivered to several northern states on Tuesday, while dry tests were conducted at select locations in southern India to confirm security and logistical arrangements.

As part of the preparations, a test landing of an Air Force helicopter was conducted at the Tirunelveli Armed Reserve Ground in Tamil Nadu, the official added.

Confidential packets are transported under strict security protocols and will be distributed to designated investigation centers under strict supervision after reaching their targets.

CRPF and CISF personnel have been deployed to secure the transport chain at every stage. The Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Post and State Governments all coordinate within a framework overseen by the Ministry of Education.

The deployment of military assets comes at a time when the government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) are implementing a multi-layered security framework to ensure the integrity of one of India’s largest competitive exams.

Officials said other safeguards have been put in place, including strict isolation of paper handlers, improved monitoring mechanisms, real-time tracking of question paper movement and coordinated deployment of security at test centres.

The NEET-UG examination will be conducted under heightened vigilance, with nearly five lakh security personnel expected to be involved in maintaining security and ensuring smooth conduct of the examination across the country.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was initially held on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates, was canceled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of an organized paper leak and suspected involvement of insiders. The June 21 review is taking place with unprecedented security measures aimed at restoring confidence in the review process.

Published – 16 Jun 2026 22:41 IST