In a high-level review meeting, National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh said the agency was working with all stakeholders concerned, including the district-level coordination committees headed by the district magistrates, state police departments and intelligence agencies to ensure that the re-NEET examination on June 21 is conducted smoothly.
The meeting chaired by the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid emphasis on the importance of coordination at all levels. The Minister informed that officers designated by the ministry will reach all the states to coordinate the activities pertaining to the re-examination process and will report to the Command Centre headed by the DG, NTA.
Pradhan asked the designated nodal officers of the state governments to ensure that students were provided all necessary facilities to enable them to appear for the re-examination in a stress-free environment.
School education secretary Sanjay Kumar said that the students must be put at absolute ease to appear for the examination, by giving them all necessary facilities including provision of seating arrangements before the exam and drinking water. He requested the nodal officers of the state governments to ensure that adequate steps were taken in this regard.
Secretary, higher education, Vineet Joshi remarked that the time between now and the date of the re-examination was crucial and stressed on the need for proactive coordination, timely dissemination of instructions and strict compliance with all prescribed protocols.
Detailed deliberations were held on the examination preparedness, coordination mechanisms, security protocols, logistical arrangements, grievance redressal mechanisms and adherence to examination guidelines. States/UTs were advised to maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the smooth, transparent and seamless conduct of the re-examination.
Meanwhile, NTA in a statement has urged the candidates that re-NEET examination will be conducted as scheduled.
“Please do not be swayed by rumours of postponement or by the noise on social media. Rely only on official communication from NTA. We want to reassure you that extensive arrangements are in place for a safe, secure and fair examination, in close coordination with relevant ministries, state governments and security agencies. The integrity of this process is our highest priority, and robust, multi-layered safeguards have been put in place. Any attempt at malpractice will be dealt with firmly – because protecting honest, hardworking students is exactly what this is about,” NTA said.
It said that the examination conducted on May 3 was cancelled in the student’s interest. “The moment a problem was identified, we acted to protect the fairness of the process for every sincere candidate. A humble request to parents, teachers, and the wider community: please help us keep our students calm. Avoid sharing unverified information. Let them walk into the examination with steady, untroubled minds,” NTA said.
