Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that NEET UG examinations will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year. Addressing concerns over alleged irregularities following the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy, he said the government has “zero tolerance toward malpractice.”
Pradhan stated, “The root cause of this was OMR, and therefore, from next year, the examination will be conducted in CBT mode.”
Dharmendra Pradhan said the National Testing Agency (NTA) received a complaint soon after the examination, following which an immediate investigation was launched.
He stated, “The revised dates for the re-examination have been announced for June 21. The exam was conducted on May 3, and on May 7, the NTA received a complaint claiming that a so-called guess paper contained questions that appeared in the actual exam. The Higher Education Department promptly initiated an inquiry and referred the matter to the concerned government agency. After coordinating with state agencies, it was confirmed by May 12 that the real examination questions had indeed been leaked under the pretext of a guess paper.”
Explaining the government’s decision, Pradhan said, “We did not want any deserving student to lose their opportunity because of the actions of fraudulent candidates or the education mafia. The decision sparked differing opinions across the country, especially among students, and we respect both perspectives. It is our responsibility to resolve the situation fairly.”
Dharmendra Pradhan further said, “We have zero tolerance towards malpractices, and this is part of a long battle against the examination mafia. Several social media accounts are attempting to spread misinformation, and the integrity of the system is being challenged. In light of this, the investigation has been handed over to the CBI, which has already begun immediate action. The agency will thoroughly investigate the extent of the breach.”
Dharmendra Pradhan said, “We will not allow malpractices to occur this time. We are deeply concerned and saddened for the candidates, but this difficult decision had to be taken in the interest of the nation.”
Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced earlier in the day that the NEET UG re-examination will now be held on Sunday, June 21. The move comes amid widespread criticism and backlash over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the examination and the handling of related complaints.