The Odisha government on Thursday announced free bus travel for candidates appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, in a move aimed at ensuring hassle-free access to examination centres across the state.

The Commerce and Transport Department has directed the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to allow candidates to travel free of cost upon production of their valid NEET-UG admit cards.

According to the official notification, the initiative has been introduced to reduce the risk of heatstroke, support economically weaker students and ensure equitable access to examination centres.

A total of 134 examination centres have been designated across Odisha for the re-test.

Free Travel To Ensure Smooth Conduct Of Exam

The state government said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had approved the measure to facilitate candidates travelling to examination venues.

The notification stated that NEET aspirants would be entitled to free travel on OSRTC buses on June 21 by producing their admit cards issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Officials said the arrangement is intended to minimise transportation-related difficulties and provide relief to students and their families.

The move comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of paper leaks and administrative irregularities.

Uttarakhand Has Also Announced Similar Facility

Earlier, the Uttarakhand government announced free travel facilities for candidates appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

Under the scheme, permanent residents of Uttarakhand will be allowed to travel free in Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses by showing their NEET admit cards.

The benefit will remain available from two days before the examination until two days after it.

Secretary (Transport) Brijesh Kumar Sant issued directions to the Managing Director of Uttarakhand Transport Corporation to implement the decision.

According to an official release, the concession will be available only to permanent residents of the state and solely on the basis of the admit card issued for NEET-UG 2026.

Government Tightens Oversight Ahead Of Re-Test

The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination has been scheduled for June 21 after allegations of paper leaks and procedural lapses prompted authorities to order a fresh test.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is continuing its probe into the controversy and has made several arrests in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, student organisations have staged protests in various parts of the country demanding accountability and reforms in the examination process.

Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed preparations for the re-examination during a meeting with officials at the National Testing Agency headquarters.

After the review meeting, Pradhan said a high-level mechanism had been put in place to ensure that the re-examination is conducted with complete transparency and fairness.

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