As lakhs of medical aspirants across India prepare to sit for the rescheduled NEET UG 2026 examination, the Punjab government has taken a decisive step to ease their journey — literally. The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved free bus travel for NEET aspirants and one attendant travelling to examination centres in Punjab and Chandigarh.
What the Free Travel Scheme Covers
Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC buses will provide free travel to and from examination centres in Punjab and Chandigarh on June 20, 21, and 22. Students will only have to show their admit cards to avail the facility, and no fare will be charged from them.
The financial liability of the free travel facility will be borne by the Transport Department and reimbursed by the Finance Department.
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Why It Matters: A Cancelled Exam Adds Financial Stress
The NEET examination originally scheduled for May 3, 2026, was cancelled and has now been rescheduled for June 21, 2026. Amid concerns over NEET 2026 paper leaks and cancellations impacting over 22 lakh students, the Punjab government is providing free travel on all Punjab Roadways buses for candidates to alleviate financial stress and ensure exam access.
Kejriwal’s Appeal, Mann’s Action
The move was sparked by distress signals from students at the ground level. The decision was taken after several aspirants informed Arvind Kejriwal that poor families were struggling to arrange travel expenses to examination centres, prompting the Punjab government to step in and provide relief to students across the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal decided that NEET candidates can use state-run buses without paying any fare on June 20, 21 and 22.
“Your Dream, Our Responsibility”
Punjab authorities released an official poster carrying the slogan “Right To Education For Every Child’’, underscoring the message that no candidate should miss the exam because families cannot afford transport.
