Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the June 21 NEET-UG re-test and assured candidates that measures have been put in place to ensure the examination is conducted smoothly, securely and without errors.

The minister assessed the readiness of the examination system and reviewed the measures being undertaken to ensure the smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the NEET-UG re-test.

Expressing confidence in the arrangements, Pradhan said the re-examination will be conducted across 551 cities through 5,435 centres, including 14 centres outside India.

During the review meeting at the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA), he said special attention has been given to safeguarding every stage of the process, from the preparation of question papers to the secure transportation and timely delivery of examination materials to centres across the country, they added.

Pradhan also said that meetings have been held under the Cabinet secretary, and all the states have been asked to cooperate with the re-examination process.

“The NTA is going to conduct the re-NEET on June 21. We have reviewed the preparations several times. Today, I visited the NTA headquarters to review the same,” Pradhan told reporters.

“From the preparation of question papers to ensuring that they reach the examination centres on time, we have taken additional precautions this time,” he added.

On May 12, the NTA cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, held on May 3 for medical admissions amid allegations of paper leak.

“I have written to the chief ministers of all the states requesting their cooperation. Their support was there earlier as well, and I have requested them to pay even more attention this time,” Pradhan said.

Several states have already held review meetings involving chief secretaries, DGs, district collectors and SPs, with the NTA DG participating in the discussions, the minister said.

Pradhan cited meetings in Bihar and Maharashtra, including one chaired by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, and said he also discussed the matter with Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

Pradhan said the Union home secretary is also expected to hold a review meeting in the coming days and that all concerned agencies are performing their assigned responsibilities.

According to sources, the NTA is planning to rope in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to transport NEET question papers for the June 21 re-test, as authorities tighten security following the paper leak controversy.

Pradhan also said that agencies, including CERT-In, I4C, the Intelligence Bureau, the CBI, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, are working together to address the cyber-security challenges.

"All these cyber protection agencies have been brought together and put to work," he said.

“All arrangements are being completed. We have taken up this responsibility seriously. The NTA will certainly succeed in conducting the re-examination smoothly," he said.

On security arrangements, including the possible use of the air force, the minister said the issue is being monitored at the highest levels of government.

"I have discussed the issue with home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh. I will meet the health minister J P Nadda this evening. The finance ministry is also monitoring the matter. I am confident that we will fulfil our responsibilities," Pradhan said.

"Challenges existed earlier and they continue to exist. But all arrangements are in place this time," he added.

On the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG held on May 3 that was cancelled, Pradhan said the CBI is continuing its investigation into the matter.

"The CBI is getting to the root of what went wrong and where. I have complete faith in the CBI," Pradhan said.

"We have requested the agency to take strict action against those found guilty. Their criminal liability should be established, cases should be filed against them and they should face speedy trials in fast-track courts," he said.

"They should receive exemplary punishment," the minister added.

Pradhan also said that the NTA has been directed to examine legal remedies against the entities that breached contractual obligations.

"Some parties had agreements and commitments with us but breached them and violated our trust. We have directed the NTA to examine the legal aspects and assess whether civil liability cases can be filed against them. Legal advice is being sought on the matter," he said.