NEET UG Re-Test 2026: Punjab, Bihar, Haryana Announce Free Travel; Kejriwal Urges Other States To Follow

Arvind Kejriwal has urged all chief ministers to support students appearing for the NEET re-exam. The Aam Aadmi Party convener asked states to provide completely free bus travel for candidates on 21 June 2026. Kejriwal welcomed that Punjab, Bihar and Haryana have already approved such support and expressed hope that remaining states will soon announce similar measures.

Kejriwal’s appeal comes after the earlier NEET-UG 2026 test on 3 May 2026 was scrapped. The exam was cancelled on 12 May 2026 following allegations of a paper leak and strong public criticism. The National Testing Agency has now fixed 21 June 2026 for the nationwide NEET re-exam, increasing pressure on governments to reduce candidates’ travel and financial stress.

NEET re-exam travel support and free bus service

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini has followed Punjab’s move by announcing free travel for NEET re-exam candidates. Students can ride Haryana Roadways buses without paying any fare on 20 and 21 June 2026. Conductors will accept a valid NEET admit card as the only travel document. Saini said the government aims to reduce exam stress, repeating a facility earlier offered during the Common Eligibility Test.

In Bihar, medical aspirants affected by the paper leak controversy and mental pressure are also getting transport relief. Bihar State Road Transport Corporation will run free bus services for NEET re-exam candidates across the state. Chief minister Samrat Choudhary stated that students only need to show their admit card to travel. The decision is expected to ease financial strain on lakhs of families sending candidates for the second attempt.

NEET re-exam NEET UG 2026 schedule and exam pattern

The National Testing Agency has released the complete schedule for the NEET UG 2026 re-exam after government approval. The earlier test held on 3 May 2026 was officially cancelled on 12 May 2026 due to the paper leak row. The fresh NEET re-exam will be conducted on 21 June 2026 in centres across India and overseas locations, using only pen-and-paper offline mode.

According to the revised timetable, NEET re-exam candidates will attempt the paper during the afternoon session. The scheduled time is from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm on 21 June 2026. NTA has slightly changed the exam duration for this attempt. Students will receive an additional 15 minutes to complete the paper, considering the extra anxiety around the retest.

NEET re-exam arrangements and facilities for candidates

Bihar government has issued detailed instructions to all district administrations for arrangements around NEET re-exam centres. Authorities must ensure drinking water, shaded waiting areas and basic seating near railway stations, bus stands and examination centres. Directions also include providing traditional food items such as 'sattū’ so that students and guardians can access simple, familiar refreshments in the heat.

Local administrations in Bihar are also working on traffic and security plans for the NEET re-exam days. Extra buses will run on main routes leading to major exam centres, especially for students arriving from other districts. Officials aim to prevent confusion or crowding near test venues. Police and transport departments are coordinating to maintain smooth movement around key junctions.

Punjab was the first state to declare free bus travel for NEET re-exam candidates, setting an example later echoed by Bihar and Haryana. Kejriwal publicly appreciated these decisions and appealed again for similar steps in all other states. Such assistance is expected to reduce extra costs for families already handling coaching fees, travel expenses and uncertainty created by the cancelled exam.

With NTA finalising the NEET re-exam schedule and several states arranging free transport and facilities, candidates now have clearer conditions for 21 June 2026. Government measures on buses, basic amenities and security seek to ensure that students can reach centres safely and focus on the offline paper without added logistical burden.