NEET-UG to go fully computer-based next year after paper leak row
NEET-UG to go fully computer-based next year after paper leak row
Education Minister announces a June 21 re-exam and a shift to computer-based NEET-UG from next year, as CBI probes the leak.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that NEET-UG 2026 will be re-conducted on June 21 and that the exam will shift to a computer-based format from next year to ensure transparency. The NTA had cancelled NEET-UG 2026 and ordered a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities linked to the exam, with the Optical Mark Recognition sheets identified as a key weakness. Investigations had also pointed to a possible leak involving a guess paper circulated among students, including reports of a MBBS student in Kerala forwarding a guess paper to friends in Rajasthan.
From next year, the NEET-UG exam will be conducted in a computer-based format. The government emphasized that it will thoroughly investigate the leak issue and take concrete steps to prevent recurrence. The NTA will also restore the option for students to choose their preferred exam city.
The plan includes extending the examination duration by 15 minutes to accommodate formalities such as signing attendance sheets. Exams scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. will now conclude at 5:15 p.m. Admit cards are expected to be issued by June 14. The government also pledged refunds of fees for affected students and confirmed zero fees for those appearing in the re-exam.
Authorities are coordinating with states to minimize disruption, including transport logistics, as part of a broader push to preserve fairness and acknowledge the hard work of aspirants. The episode has intensified calls for reform in the exam process and tighter security measures to protect future admissions cycles.
