Pradhan Confirms Proposal for IAF Role in NEET Paper Transport

In the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the Centre is planning to deploy the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the secure transportation of examination question papers ahead of the re-examination scheduled next month.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government has sought assistance from the Air Force solely for logistical support to ensure safe and time-bound delivery of question papers across the country.

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Clarifying reports regarding the involvement of the armed forces in the examination process, Pradhan said the military would not play any role in conducting the examination itself.

“There is no requirement for the armed forces to conduct the examination process. Our discussions with the Defence Ministry were limited to a specific logistical challenge because we have a short window before the NEET-UG re-examination on June 21,” the minister said during an interview with a news channel.

He explained that question papers are traditionally transported through the postal network using standard transit channels. However, following the recent security breach and concerns over timely delivery during the monsoon season, the government decided to explore alternative arrangements.

“The postal department usually relies on regular transportation routes. This time, given the security sensitivities and the urgency involved, we requested the Indian Air Force to assist in the secure movement of question papers,” Pradhan said.

According to the minister, he and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeking approval for the proposal.

“We asked whether the Air Force could take over the ferrying responsibility that is currently handled by the postal department. The Defence Minister agreed to extend support for this purpose,” he added.

Pradhan maintained that multiple security protocols had already been in place during earlier examinations and said the monitoring mechanism would now be made even more stringent.

“The entire process, from printing and dispatch of question papers to their delivery at examination centres and movement to evaluation centres in Delhi, will remain under close surveillance,” he said.

The move comes after the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of a large-scale paper leak. The controversy sparked protests in several parts of the country and intensified scrutiny of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the examination.

Preliminary investigations have reportedly pointed to multiple vulnerabilities in the handling and distribution process of examination papers, prompting the government to consider enhanced security measures.

Sources said the issue was discussed during a high-level meeting involving senior officials from the Education Ministry, Defence Ministry and the Indian Air Force.

Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the IAF may be tasked with transporting question papers from printing facilities to designated locations nationwide, especially considering possible disruptions during the upcoming monsoon season.

At present, the transportation of examination papers is handled by the Department of Posts.

The issue of paper security has also revived discussions around shifting NEET entirely to a computer-based testing (CBT) format, similar to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Government sources said NEET is expected to transition to the CBT mode from next year.

Meanwhile, sources in the Indian Air Force said no formal communication had yet been received regarding the arrangement.

“The issue was discussed during the meeting yesterday, but we have not received any official intimation so far,” an IAF source said.