NEET-UG 2025: Enhanced Security Measures and Mock Drills Scheduled

Robust Monitoring for NEET-UG 2025

The NEET-UG 2025 examination is set for May 4, and a comprehensive three-tier monitoring system has been established at district, state, and national levels to guarantee a secure and fair testing environment, according to officials from the Education Ministry.

Candidates caught using dishonest methods will face a ban of up to three years from all NTA examinations, along with potential criminal charges under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. This year, over 22.7 lakh candidates are expected to participate across 5,453 centers in more than 500 cities, making it one of the largest entrance exams in India.

Most of the examination locations will be situated in government and government-aided educational institutions to enhance oversight, as reported by sources.

For the first time, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has organized mock drills on May 3 to assess readiness, including testing mobile signal jammers, biometric verification, and security checks.

According to sources, 'The majority of exam centers this year are in Government and Government-Aided schools, colleges, and universities. Mock drills are planned for May 3, 2025, at all locations to ensure smooth operations.'

These drills will evaluate the effectiveness of mobile signal jammers, the adequacy of personnel for security checks, and the procedures for biometric authentication.

These heightened security measures follow last year's NEET-UG 2024, which faced issues related to paper leaks and impersonation.

On the examination day, there will be monitoring at three levels: District, State, and National.

Candidates engaging in dishonest practices—before, during, or after the exam—will be prosecuted under Unfair Means (U.F.M.). Penalties may include a ban of up to three years from NTA exams, depending on the severity of the offense, along with legal action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

The 2024 Public Examinations Act allows authorities to take legal action against those involved in unfair practices, including impersonators and coaching scams.

As summer temperatures rise, state governments and Union Territories have been instructed to provide drinking water, electricity, portable toilets, and first-aid services at all examination centers.