Hyderabad, May 15: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET, will be conducted in a computer based format from next year.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Minister said the Centre has decided to move away from the traditional paper based examination model following the controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak.
He said there is an urgent need to conduct major competitive examinations online to ensure transparency, security and accountability in the examination process.
The announcement comes after the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3 due to allegations of question paper leaks and examination malpractice.
Pradhan said the recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee have already been implemented. However, he admitted that there was a breakdown somewhere in the examination management system.
He assured students and parents that corrective measures are being introduced to strengthen the conduct of national level entrance examinations.
Calling it a “long and sustained fight” against the education mafia, the Minister said the Central Bureau of Investigation is carrying out a detailed probe into the paper leak case.
He stated that investigators are examining how the accused managed to breach what was believed to be a fool proof system.
“The entire government machinery will ensure that no malpractice takes place this time,” the Minister said while addressing concerns raised by students and parents.
Pradhan also confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 re examination will be conducted on June 21.
He said admit cards for the re examination will be issued by June 14. Candidates will also be given a one week window to select their preferred examination city.
The Union Minister further announced that students will receive an additional 15 minutes to fill in details on the OMR sheet during the examination.
He added that the National Testing Agency, has decided to refund examination fees paid by candidates for the cancelled examination. No additional fee will be collected for the re examination.
The NEET controversy triggered nationwide protests and criticism after lakhs of students were forced to face uncertainty due to alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the examination process.
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