Agencies | New Delhi:
In the wake of one of the biggest examination scandals in recent years, the Centre on Friday announced a sweeping overhaul of the NEET examination system, including a shift to a fully computer-based format and a free re-examination for more than 22 lakh students affected by the paper leak controversy.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) would be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year as part of the government’s broader crackdown on examination malpractice and organised cheating networks.
The announcement came days after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 examination following confirmation of a nationwide paper leak linked to a circulated “guess paper”.
Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said the government would maintain a “zero tolerance” policy against exam mafias and any attempts to compromise the future of students.
Key Announcements Made by the Centre
NEET to Shift Fully Online:
The government has decided to phase out the traditional pen-and-paper format and conduct NEET entirely in CBT mode from next year onward. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening exam security, improving surveillance and reducing the possibility of paper leaks.
Fresh NEET-UG Exam on June 21:
The cancelled NEET-UG 2026 examination will now be reconducted on June 21. Students will not have to register again or pay any additional fee for the re-test.
No Additional Financial Burden on Students:
The Centre clarified that the re-examination would be conducted free of cost to ensure that candidates already affected by the controversy are not burdened further.
Candidates Allowed to Change Exam City:
In a major relief for aspirants, the NTA will allow students to modify or choose a new examination city before the re-test. Candidates will be given a one-week window prior to the release of admit cards to make changes.
Extra 15 Minutes for Candidates:
Students appearing in the June 21 re-examination will be granted an additional 15 minutes to compensate for the stress and disruption caused by the cancellation of the earlier examination.
Government Warns Exam Mafias
Pradhan said the Centre acted immediately after investigative agencies confirmed the paper leak and stressed that there would be “no compromise” with the future of honest students.
“In this era of technology, new challenges are emerging. Various social media handles are spreading misleading information and trying to create confusion. There are also attempts to disrupt the re-examination process. The government has taken full responsibility and is closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
The minister added that the matter had been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation and warned that strict action would be taken against those attempting to interfere with the upcoming examination process.
The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered widespread outrage among students and parents across the country, with concerns being raised over examination security, transparency and accountability within the testing system.
