Stung by one of the biggest examination scandals in recent years, the Centre on Friday announced a sweeping reset of the NEET system—from shifting the country’s largest medical entrance test fully online
to offering a free re-exam for over 22 lakh students affected by the paper leak controversy.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government would move NEET to a fully computer-based format from next year as part of a broader crackdown on exam malpractice and the so-called “education mafia”. The announcement came days after the National Testing Agency cancelled the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 examination following confirmation of a nationwide leak linked to a circulated “guess paper”.
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Here are the biggest announcements and takeaways from Pradhan’s address:
• NEET To Go Fully Computer-Based: The government has decided to phase out the traditional pen-and-paper format for NEET and conduct the examination entirely in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year onward. Officials say the shift is aimed at reducing the possibility of paper leaks, improving monitoring and tightening exam security.
ALSO READ | NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam On June 21: NTA Announces Fresh Date After Row Over Paper Leak
• Re-Exam on June 21, No Fresh Fee: The cancelled NEET-UG 2026 examination will now be reconducted on June 21. Students will not have to register again or pay any additional fee for the fresh examination. The Centre said the re-test would be conducted “free of cost” to avoid burdening candidates already affected by the controversy.
• Students Can Change Exam City: In a major relaxation, the NTA will allow students to choose or modify their preferred examination city ahead of the re-test. According to Pradhan, candidates will be given a one-week window before admit cards are issued to make changes.
• 15 More Minutes: Candidates appearing for the June 21 re-test will get an additional 15 minutes to compensate for stress and disruption caused by the cancellation controversy.
• ‘Zero Tolerance’ Against Exam Mafia: Pradhan reiterated that the government would maintain a “zero tolerance” policy against paper leaks and organised cheating rackets. He said the Centre acted immediately once agencies confirmed the leak and insisted there would be “no compromise” with honest students’ futures.
Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said: “Today, we are announcing a new date. The fresh examination will be held a little over a month from now. Our approach will remain the same: zero tolerance toward malpractice. This is a long battle against exam mafias and anti-social elements.
“In this era of technology, new challenges are emerging. Various social media handles are spreading misleading information and trying to create confusion. There are also attempts to openly challenge and disrupt the re-examination process. Keeping all this in mind, the government immediately handed the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation… I have full faith in the CBI and the agencies working with it. The government, all departments, and the top leadership are taking this very seriously. They have taken full responsibility and are closely monitoring the situation. To those creating fear and disturbances, I want to say through you: stay away from the upcoming examination process. Otherwise, they will have to face punishment.”
