New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday defended the Central Government’s decision to scrap the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, stating that tough decisions were necessary to protect deserving candidates from the influence of the examination mafia. Speaking at the Jagran Bharat Education Conclave 2026, Pradhan acknowledged that the recent operational lapses had caused immense mental anguish to nearly 2.2 million medical aspirants across the country. He asserted that the government chose to nullify the initial test rather than compromise the integrity of the selection process, ensuring that no meritorious student is deprived of a rightful seat due to institutional irregularities.
The nationwide medical entrance examination, originally conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 3, was officially cancelled after independent assessments confirmed that the security of the question papers had been compromised. The unfolding scandal, which has triggered widespread student protests and legal challenges, is currently under a comprehensive criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Addressing the severe public criticism leveled against his ministry and the NTA, Pradhan stated that the administration would not turn a blind eye to systemic vulnerabilities and remains fully committed to overhauling the national competitive examination framework.
Looking ahead, the Education Minister emphasized that the government’s primary focus has shifted toward the smooth execution of the upcoming NEET-UG re-test, which has been formally scheduled for June 21, 2026. Pradhan gave a strict assurance that the oversight mechanisms for the fresh examination are being reinforced to ensure the process remains completely error-free. He reiterated that stringent multi-layered security protocols, enhanced digital tracking, and stricter administrative audits will be deployed across all designated examination centres to restore public faith in the country’s medical admission system.
