NEET UG 2026 re-exam on June 21, computer-based test format from next year, says Education Minister Pradhan

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will reconduct the NEET UG 2026 examination on June 21 following the cancellation of the May 3 test over a confirmed paper leak, while the center has also announced that the country’s largest medical entrance examination will shift completely to a computer-based format from next year.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, addressing the media after the cancellation controversy, said the government had adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against examination malpractice and would not allow “education mafias” to compromise the future of deserving students.

The NTA had officially cancelled the May 3 examination on May 12 after investigators confirmed that portions of the question paper had been leaked before the test.

The controversy intensified after reports surfaced on May 7 regarding a so-called “guess paper” that allegedly contained actual questions from the examination.

According to the minister, authorities verified the breach within “three to four days” after complaints were forwarded to central agencies.

“We admit that there was a breach somewhere in the chain of command despite implementing the Radhakrishnan committee’s recommendations, and we take responsibility to fix this,” Pradhan said.

He added that the government had no option but to cancel the examination in order to preserve fairness and credibility in the admission process.

Exam Rescheduled After Leak Confirmation

The NTA confirmed that all candidates who had registered for the May 3 examination would be eligible to appear for the June 21 re-exam without any additional fee payment. The government also announced that previously paid examination fees would be refunded.

Admit cards for the fresh examination are expected to be issued on June 14 through the official website, neet.nta.ac.in. Candidates will be able to download their hall tickets using their application number, date of birth, and captcha verification.

The admit card will contain details including examination center address, reporting time, and exam-day instructions. Students have been advised to carry a printed admit card along with valid photo identification to the examination center.

Pradhan also announced that candidates appearing for the re-examination would be given an additional 15 minutes during the test to reduce inconvenience and improve exam management.

“The future of students and sensitivity toward their hard work are our priority,” the minister said.

Government Announces CBT Shift From Next Year

In one of the most significant reforms announced after the controversy, the Education Ministry confirmed that NEET UG would move fully to a computer-based test (CBT) format beginning next year.

Pradhan linked the reform directly to the vulnerabilities associated with the existing pen-and-paper OMR system. “The root cause of this was OMR, and therefore, from next year, the exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode,” he said.

Comparing the existing and proposed systems, the minister said that “CBT is more fool-proof.”

The government believes the digital format will reduce the possibility of paper leaks and strengthen the security architecture surrounding one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.

NEET UG remains the country’s largest undergraduate entrance test and serves as the gateway for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and allied medical programs across India.

This year, 2,275,011 candidates had registered for the May 3 examination, while 2,205,035 candidates appeared across 37 states and Union Territories, recording a 96.92% attendance rate.

CBI Probe and Crackdown on Leak Networks

The government has handed over the investigation into the paper leak to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is now probing the breach and identifying all individuals involved.

Pradhan said the investigation would examine how the leak occurred despite the implementation of recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee after earlier examination controversies.

“The CBI has started swift action, and this time the CBI will go to the bottom of it,” he said.

He also described the issue as part of a “long battle against exam mafias and anti-social elements,” warning that technological misuse and organized leak networks were becoming increasingly sophisticated.

According to the minister, nearly 120 Telegram channels were allegedly involved in circulating leaked content and misleading material related to the examination. "The cyber challenge is increasing day by day,” he said.

The minister reiterated that strict action would be taken against all individuals involved in compromising the examination process.

“A wrong candidate through the education mafia cannot steal the rights of another,” Pradhan said. “We will not allow a moneybag to take anybody’s seat away.”

Student Relief Measures Announced

The Education Ministry also announced several support measures for students appearing in the re-examination.

Apart from waiving fresh examination fees, the NTA will allow candidates to select their preferred examination city approximately one week before the exam date.

Transportation support will also be arranged wherever possible, keeping weather conditions and travel convenience in mind.

The government urged candidates not to panic and to rely only on official updates issued by the NTA and government authorities.

“Students’ future is our priority. We cannot allow any malpractice to affect the hard work of lakhs of candidates,” Pradhan said.

The minister acknowledged that there was still room for improvement in the examination system and admitted that authorities needed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms further. “I admit we have to improve. There should be zero error, and this is our responsibility,” he said.

Background of the Controversy

The NEET UG 2026 controversy began shortly after the May 3 examination, when reports emerged alleging that portions of the question paper had circulated before the test through digital platforms and local networks.

The issue triggered nationwide concern among aspirants and parents, leading to demands for a detailed investigation and re-examination.

Following preliminary findings from central agencies and law enforcement authorities, the NTA announced the cancellation of the examination.

“Based on the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and to ensure that there is transparency in the system, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026,” the agency had said in its official statement.

The results for the original May 3 examination were earlier expected to be declared in June before the cancellation decision was announced.

Focus on Rebuilding Trust

The controversy has once again placed the functioning of the National Testing Agency under scrutiny, with questions being raised over examination security and monitoring systems despite previous reform efforts.

Pradhan, however, rejected suggestions about scrapping the agency altogether. “There is no question of scrapping the agency. Either of the agencies has to conduct the examination. We have to make better reforms,” he said.

The minister emphasized that rebuilding student trust remained the government’s top priority and assured that additional safeguards would be implemented for the June 21 examination.

“Our approach will remain zero tolerance towards malpractices and anti-social elements. With advancements in technology, such challenges are emerging, but we will not allow any compromise with students’ future,” he said.