The Odisha government has announced that it will provide free bus transportation to candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) Examination, 2026, which is rescheduled for June 21, a state minister said on Tuesday.
To facilitate smooth travel, direct bus routes will be operational from major railway stations and primary bus terminals straight to the designated examination centres.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) for admission to undergraduate medical education in all medical institutions was originally conducted on May 3.
However, a few days after the test, the National Testing Agency (NTA) scrapped the exam following widespread allegations of a question paper leak, prompting the rescheduled re-examination on June 21.
Following directives from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state transport department has made arrangements to provide free bus services for the candidates.
The special transport initiative will be jointly managed by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena shared in a social media update on X.
Candidates appearing at 134 examination centres spread across the state can avail the free ride by simply presenting a valid NEET (UG) Admit Card on government buses, as well as on dedicated vehicles deployed by various educational institutions, the minister added.
“We are committed to ensuring safe, convenient and smooth travel for the candidates,” he wrote in the post.
Jena also extended best wishes to all the candidates for their bright future.
The specialized transportation service will function in two distinct phases – the first phase will transport students to their examination centres well ahead of the exam’s start, while the second phase will ferry them back home once the exam concluded, according to an official release.
This complimentary shuttle network will remain fully operational until the last candidate is safely dropped off at their respective destination.
In order to streamline operations and maintain strict coordination across districts, the Transport Commissioner held a high-level review meeting with all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs).
Keeping the intense summer conditions in mind, the state administration has also ordered the provision of sufficient drinking water and other basic amenities for the comfort of the students, the official statement noted.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg also reviewed the arrangements made for smooth conduct of the NEET-UG exam in Odisha.
As June 21 is International Yoga Day, she asked concerned department officers to take necessary steps for the proper organisation of both the programme and the exam.
