Bihar, Punjab, Haryana announce free bus travel for NEET UG re-exam candidates

In a major relief for students appearing in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, the governments of Bihar, Punjab and Haryana have announced free travel facilities on state-run buses for candidates travelling to exam centres.

The decision comes after the cancellation of the May 3 NEET UG examination following allegations of paper leaks in multiple states. The re-exam is scheduled to be held on June 21 in offline mode, with nearly 22 lakh students expected to appear once again.

According to official announcements, candidates in Bihar will be allowed to travel free on state transport buses by showing their NEET admit cards. Similar measures have been introduced in Punjab and Haryana, where Punjab Roadways and Haryana Roadways buses will provide complimentary travel facilities during the examination period.

Punjab has announced free travel from June 20 to June 22, while Haryana will extend the facility from June 20 to June 21. Authorities said the admit card itself will serve as the travel pass, eliminating the need for separate tickets or approvals.

The move is expected to particularly benefit students travelling from rural and remote regions, many of whom face long and expensive journeys to examination centres. Education experts said the initiative could help reduce logistical stress and financial burden on families already affected by the disruption caused by the exam cancellation.

The Centre has also stepped in to ensure smoother arrangements for the re-exam. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to all states and Union Territories urging them to make adequate arrangements for candidates amid severe heatwave conditions prevailing across several parts of the country.

The advisory asked state authorities to ensure the availability of drinking water, shaded waiting areas, fans or coolers, clean washrooms, uninterrupted electricity supply and proper transport arrangements near examination centres. Portable toilets and medical assistance have also been recommended where required.

Officials said the focus this time is not only on conducting a fair and transparent examination but also on ensuring student welfare and safety during extreme summer conditions.

The original NEET UG 2026 examination was cancelled on May 12 after reports of paper leaks and irregularities emerged from multiple states, triggering nationwide concern among students and parents. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is now under pressure to restore confidence in the examination process through tighter security and improved coordination with state administrations.