NEET UG Re-Exam 2026: From Next Year, Medical Entrance Test to Go Fully Computer-Based, Announces Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi: In the wake of the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that the medical entrance examination will gradually move to a fully computer-based format from next year to strengthen transparency and security.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, the minister confirmed that the cancelled NEET-UG examination will now be conducted again on June 21, 2026. The decision comes after massive outrage from students and parents over allegations that parts of the question paper had been circulated in advance through so-called “guess papers.”

The government stated that protecting the future of deserving students remains its biggest responsibility and assured candidates that no unfair advantage would be allowed in the examination system.

According to the Education Ministry, the original examination was conducted on May 3, but within a few days, complaints began reaching the National Testing Agency (NTA). Several students alleged that questions appearing in viral study material matched the actual exam paper.

After receiving these complaints, officials from the NTA and the Higher Education Department initiated an urgent review. As the matter appeared serious, the case was escalated to investigative agencies at both the Centre and state levels.

The minister revealed that early findings pointed toward suspicious activity linked to a few states, prompting immediate coordination with law enforcement agencies. Investigations carried out between May 7 and May 11 reportedly confirmed that sensitive exam content had been circulated before the test under the disguise of predictive study material.

Following these findings, the Centre decided to scrap the examination and conduct a fresh test to ensure fairness for lakhs of medical aspirants across the country.

The government has also transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Dharmendra Pradhan warned that strict action would be taken against everyone involved, whether connected to the NTA or operating externally as part of organized cheating networks.

He emphasized that the government follows a “zero tolerance” approach toward examination malpractice and misinformation campaigns being spread online.

Highlighting future reforms, the minister said that conducting NEET in computer-based mode would be more secure compared to the existing OMR-based system. While acknowledging cyber security challenges, he maintained confidence in India’s digital examination infrastructure.

For the upcoming re-exam, candidates will be allowed to choose their preferred examination city within a week. The NTA is expected to release fresh admit cards by June 14.

The minister also appealed to students not to panic and to continue their preparations confidently, assuring them that merit would be protected at all costs.