New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate courses (NEET-UG) will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year as part of major reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing examination malpractice.
The announcement came as the Centre confirmed that the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21 following the cancellation of the earlier exam over allegations of a paper leak.
Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said the government would not allow irregularities to affect deserving students and assured strict action against those involved in malpractice.
“Our topmost priority is the future of the students, and the government is sensitive towards their hard work and efforts. We will not let malpractice happen this time. The government is with you. We had to make a difficult decision in the interest of the nation. We are very sad,” he said.
The Education Minister admitted that questions had leaked under the guise of “guess papers” and said the government took the decision to cancel the exam after a detailed verification process.
“The process began on the morning of May 8 and continued through May 8, 9, 10 and 11. When we got clarity and were confirmed that questions had gone out this time on the basis of the leaked paper, we made a decision on May 12 in the interest of the students. We did not want any deserving candidate to be deprived of their rights because of the conspiracy of education mafias,” Pradhan said.
He said the Centre follows a “zero tolerance” policy towards examination irregularities and had already implemented recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee after controversies in previous examinations.
“After the irregularities that surfaced last time, the Radhakrishnan Committee had been constituted, and we implemented its recommendations word for word for both 2025 and 2026. Despite that, this incident occurred. Hence, our first decision was to cancel the examination,” he added.
Defending the National Testing Agency (NTA), the minister said the body remained fully accountable and conducts examinations for nearly one crore students every year.
“NTA is fully accountable. The NTA is in the hands of an able person. It has been formed with the recommendation of the Supreme Court and conducts examination of nearly 1 crore students each year. We will ensure zero errors in the NTA,” he said.
Pradhan also announced several relief measures for students appearing in the re-examination. He said examination fees paid by students would be refunded and no fee would be charged for the upcoming re-test.
“We will return the fees of the students. Zero fees in the upcoming examination,” he announced.
The minister further said candidates would be allowed to choose their preferred examination city again, considering that many students may have travelled away from their earlier exam centres.
“A large number of students appear for this examination every year. The NTA will issue a detailed public notice by this evening with complete information. Prima facie, the NTA has decided to give students one week to choose their preferred examination city again,” he said.
To improve examination logistics, the duration of the exam will also be extended by 15 minutes.
“The exam, which was scheduled from 2 pm to 5 pm, will now continue till 5:15 pm,” Pradhan said, adding that the additional time would help students complete attendance and verification formalities comfortably.
He also said the Centre would coordinate with state governments to ensure transport and other arrangements for students appearing in the examination.
“The Government of India will speak to the states regarding transportation, and I will also personally speak with Chief Ministers so that students face minimal difficulties,” he added.
Pradhan said admit cards for the re-examination would be issued by June 14.
