Bihar govt announces free bus travel for NEET candidates ahead of re-examination

Patna: Ahead of the re-conduct of the NEET-UG examination after an alleged paper leak, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation has announced free bus travel for all NEET candidates across the state. Making the announcement, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that students appearing for the re-examination on June 21 will be allowed to travel free of cost on government buses by simply showing their NEET admit cards. The decision is expected to benefit lakhs of students and their families by reducing travel expenses during the examination period. The move comes after the NEET-UG examination, originally conducted on May 3, was cancelled amid a paper leak controversy. The cancellation had triggered anxiety and uncertainty among students already dealing with the pressure of preparing for the re-examination. Officials said the free transport facility is intended to ease the financial burden on students and ensure that transportation does not become an obstacle in reaching examination centres. The state government has also issued instructions to district administrations to make adequate arrangements near bus stands, railway stations, and examination centres. Authorities have been directed to provide drinking water, shaded waiting areas, sattu, and other essential facilities for students and accompanying parents. Local administrations have additionally been asked to ensure that candidates arriving from outside districts do not face inconvenience during travel or while reaching examination venues. Preparations for the re-examination are already underway across multiple districts. Officials are working on traffic management plans, strengthening security arrangements, and deploying additional buses around examination centres to ensure the smooth movement of candidates. NEET remains India’s largest medical entrance examination, with lakhs of aspirants appearing every year for admission to medical colleges. The paper leak controversy and subsequent cancellation of the earlier exam had created both financial and psychological stress for many students and families. The government clarified that the free travel facility will only be available upon presentation of a valid NEET admit card. Students have also been advised to begin their journeys well in advance and keep their admit cards with them throughout the travel period. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also conveyed his best wishes to all students appearing for the examination.