In a heartwarming, student-first decision, the Odisha government has announced free bus travel for all aspirants appearing in the NEET (UG) Re-examination 2026, scheduled for Sunday, June 21.
The move, directed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aims to reduce the risk of heatstroke, support economically weaker students, and ensure fair access to examination centres during the scorching summer month.
Debadutta Suranjita Jena, OAS, Special Secretary to Govt, Commerce & Transport Department, has written to the Chairman-cum- Managing Director, OSRTC, Bhubaneswar and the Transport Commissioner, STA, Cuttack, regarding the provision of Free Bus Travel for the aspirants appearing for the NEET (UG) Re-exam-2026 conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA).
Aspirants can travel free on government buses on production of their valid NEET Admit Card. The facility covers travel to all 134 examination centres spread across the state.
June in Odisha brings intense heat, and many students — especially those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds — travel long distances to reach their centres.
This initiative directly addresses those challenges by removing the financial burden of travel and keeping students safer from heat-related risks.
- Total candidates benefiting: 56,983
- Examination centres: 134 across Odisha
- Exam timing: 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM on Sunday, June 21, 2026
Major cities with multiple centres include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Balasore, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Jeypore, and many district headquarters.
The Chairman-cum-Managing Director of OSRTC, the Transport Commissioner, all District Collectors, CRUT, and the Higher Education Department have been directed to ensure smooth implementation. Daily progress reports will be sent to the department.
With free bus travel assured, thousands of aspiring doctors can now focus entirely on their preparation without worrying about how they will reach their exam centres.
Students are advised to carry their original NEET Admit Card while travelling and check with local OSRTC depots or district administrations for route and timing details closer to the exam date.
A small but powerful step that could make a big difference in the lives of Odisha’s future healthcare heroes.
