The Odisha government announced free bus travel for all candidates appearing in the NEET-UG re-examination on June 21, 2026 [1], [2].
This initiative aims to remove financial barriers for students and mitigate health risks associated with extreme weather during the exam process. By providing state-funded transport, the government seeks to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, as students travel to their designated locations [3], [4].
The Commerce and Transport Department issued the official order on June 12, 2026 [1]. Under the directive, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) will facilitate the movement of students across the state, ensuring that candidates can reach their venues without cost.
According to government data, the measure is expected to benefit 56,983 students [3]. These candidates are distributed across 134 exam centres located throughout the region [3], [4].
The decision comes as part of a broader effort to ensure safe and affordable access to critical educational assessments. The government said the free travel is specifically tied to the date of the re-examination to accommodate the high volume of students moving simultaneously [2], [3].
Eligible candidates can utilize OSRTC buses for their journey to and from the test sites on June 21, 2026 [2]. This logistical support is intended to reduce the stress of commuting during a high-stakes academic event.
“The Odisha government announced free bus travel for all candidates appearing in the NEET-UG re-examination”
This move reflects a targeted public health and educational intervention. By leveraging the state-run OSRTC fleet, Odisha is addressing the intersection of economic accessibility and environmental hazards, acknowledging that extreme heat can negatively impact student performance and safety during national-level examinations.
