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oi-Prakash KL
The Union Government has announced key changes to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical admissions (NEET-UG), with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirming that the examination will shift to a fully computer-based test (CBT) format from next year. The move comes in the wake of the massive controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak, which forced authorities to cancel the 2026 examination and order a nationwide re-test.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Pradhan said the transition from the traditional OMR-based system to a digital examination format was aimed at tackling the “root issue” behind recurring instances of malpractice. According to the minister, CBT mode offers stronger safeguards and is comparatively more secure than pen-and-paper testing.
The NEET-UG medical entrance exam, held on May 3, was cancelled due to irregularities confirmed by May 12 and will be re-conducted on June 21. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated the CBI is investigating and affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy against exam malpractice.
“Cybercrime has become a huge challenge in today’s world, but we must strengthen and trust our national systems,” he said, while acknowledging that technological threats continue to evolve alongside examination reforms.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET-UG, has now officially scheduled the re-examination for 21 June after the earlier test was scrapped over allegations of widespread irregularities and a question paper leak. The government has described the episode as a serious “breach in command” and admitted institutional lapses in handling the examination process.
Pradhan stressed that the Centre was committed to ensuring accountability and warned that no individual involved in the malpractice would be spared, irrespective of whether they were linked to the NTA or external networks. Referring to the ongoing probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he said the investigation agency had already begun acting against those responsible.
“This is a long battle against exam mafias and anti-social elements,” the minister said. “Anyone attempting to interfere with the re-examination process or spread panic among students will face strict punishment.”
The minister also appealed directly to students and parents, urging them not to lose confidence in the examination system. He acknowledged the anxiety and frustration caused by the cancellation but insisted that the government’s decision was taken to protect merit and fairness in medical admissions.
“We did not want mafia conspiracies or money power to snatch away the seats of deserving students,” he said. “Students’ trust is paramount for us.”
Several procedural changes have also been introduced for the re-test in an effort to improve transparency and reduce confusion on examination day. Candidates will now receive an additional 15 minutes before the examination begins to complete formalities such as signing OMR sheets and verification procedures. As a result, the examination timing has been revised from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.
In another significant relief measure, students will be allowed to select their preferred examination city for the re-test. The government said candidates would be given a week to submit their city preferences before centres are finalised.
Admit cards for the fresh NEET-UG examination are scheduled to be released by 14 June.
The NEET controversy has triggered widespread criticism over the security and credibility of India’s high-stakes entrance examinations, prompting demands for structural reforms in the testing system. The government’s decision to move towards CBT mode is now being seen as one of the most significant overhauls in the history of the country’s medical entrance examination framework.
