The Centre has announced a major change in the NEET UG examination system after the recent paper leak controversy. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that from next year, the NEET UG examination will be conducted completely in computer-based test (CBT) mode. The move is being seen as an important reform aimed at improving the security and transparency of the national medical entrance examination.

Addressing a press conference, Pradhan confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 examination, which was held on May 3, was cancelled after authorities verified that the question paper had been leaked. He said concerns first surfaced on May 7 regarding a “guess paper.” Following this, complaints were sent to central agencies for investigation. Within a few days, officials confirmed that a paper leak had indeed taken place.

“Once we were certain about the leak, we immediately decided that there should be no compromise with students' fair chance,” Pradhan said while explaining the government’s decision to cancel the examination on May 12.

The minister announced that the re-examination for NEET UG 2026 will now be conducted on June 21. He also said that admit cards for the re-exam will be issued by June 14. According to him, the government wants to ensure that students do not suffer because of the malpractice carried out by a few individuals involved in the leak.

Pradhan said the government remains committed to maintaining strict action against any form of cheating or manipulation in examinations. Referring to earlier incidents linked to examination irregularities, he mentioned that such situations had previously led to the formation of the Radhakrishnan Committee. He said the Centre continues to follow the recommendations made by the committee while also working on additional reforms to make the system stronger.

“Our approach will remain zero tolerance towards malpractices and anti-social elements. With advancements in technology, such challenges are emerging, but we will not allow any compromise with students' future,” he said.

The minister informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been assigned to carry out a detailed investigation into the leak. He said the agency has been directed to identify exactly where the breach happened in the examination process and to take the probe to its root. According to him, the government wants to ensure that all individuals involved in the malpractice are identified and punished strictly.

He warned that anyone attempting to damage the credibility of the examination system would face serious consequences. Pradhan also stressed that the government would not allow organised groups or “mafias” to affect the future of deserving students.

“We do not want any mafia to snatch seats from hardworking students. Student trust is of utmost importance,” he said.

Speaking about reforms in the examination system, the minister said the National Testing Agency (NTA) is continuously undergoing improvements. He noted that the agency was established on the recommendation of the Supreme Court and has received multiple suggestions over time to improve its functioning. He admitted that there is still a need to further strengthen the system so that examinations can be conducted without any errors or security lapses.

Pradhan also acknowledged that there had been a failure in the examination command chain despite implementing recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee. However, he assured students and parents that corrective measures are now being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The government has also announced relief measures for candidates affected by the cancellation of the examination. Pradhan said all students will receive a refund of their examination fees. He added that the re-examination scheduled for June 21 will be conducted free of cost for all candidates.

To make the process easier for students, the minister said the NTA will allow candidates to select their preferred examination city one week before the test. He added that transportation facilities will also be arranged wherever possible, especially considering weather-related difficulties that students may face while travelling to examination centres.

The announcement of a fully computer-based NEET examination from next year marks one of the biggest changes in the medical entrance system in recent years. The Centre believes the shift to online mode, along with stricter monitoring and investigation, will help restore confidence among students and parents after the paper leak controversy.