The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday rescheduled the NEET-UG 2026 examination for June 21 after scrapping the earlier test amid a major paper leak controversy that sparked widespread protests from students and parents across the country.
The revised examination date was announced through an official notification issued by the NTA after receiving approval from the Government of India. Fresh admit cards for candidates will be released on June 14.
Announcing a series of corrective measures, union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the medical entrance examination would shift to a fully computer-based test (CBT) format from next year in an effort to strengthen transparency and plug systemic loopholes.
Addressing a press conference here, Pradhan said the original NEET-UG examination was conducted on May 3, but suspicions emerged days later over the circulation of a so-called “guess paper.”
“The examination was held on May 3. Concerns were raised on May 7 regarding a guess paper, and those complaints were immediately referred to central agencies. Within a few days, it was confirmed that the paper had been leaked,” he said.
He said the government acted swiftly after authorities verified the breach. “Once we were certain about the leak, we immediately decided that there should be no compromise with students’ fair chance,” Pradhan said, referring to the government’s decision to cancel the examination on May 12.
Reiterating the Centre’s stance against exam fraud, the minister said strict action would be taken against those involved. “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.
Pradhan said the Central Bureau of Investigation has been tasked with carrying out a comprehensive probe to identify how the question paper was leaked and determine those responsible for the breach.
“We do not want any mafia to snatch seats from hardworking students. Student trust is of utmost importance,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that despite reforms introduced on the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, vulnerabilities remained in the examination process and further safeguards were needed to ensure error-free conduct of national-level tests.
He also announced relief measures for candidates, stating that examination fees paid by students would be refunded and that the re-test would be conducted free of cost.
To make the process easier for aspirants, Pradhan said students would be allowed to select their preferred examination city a week before the test, while transportation support would also be arranged wherever possible, taking weather conditions into consideration.
He assured students that the government would continue overhauling the examination system to restore confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Parwinder Sandhu
