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Breach in command chain, we take responsibility: Govt after NEET paper leak
The government acknowledged a breach in the command chain following the NEET paper leak and vowed to take responsibility and fix processes. The May 3, 2026 exam was canceled with a retest planned for June 21, and the CBI indicated the leak traced to inside the NTA, prompting a press briefing and reforms including a shift to CBT mode in the future.
Why It Matters
This marks a significant admission of systemic lapse in India's national entrance exam process and signals potential oversight reforms, including increased investigative scrutiny and a move to computer-based testing.
Timeline
4 Events
Press conference: Govt admits breach in command chain, outlines investigations and CBT plan
May 15, 2026
During a press conference, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged a breach in the command chain and said the government accepts responsibility to improve it. He stated that the CBI will investigate the matter, that the NTA will be held accountable, and that some issues have come to light and will be probed thoroughly. The government expressed regret over having to re-order the exam and said the decision was made to protect hardworking students' futures. Pradhan also announced that starting next year the NEET exam would be conducted in computer-based testing (CBT) mode.
CBI tells Delhi court leak traced to source inside NTA
May 14, 2026
On Thursday, the CBI told a Delhi court that the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak traces back to a source inside the National Testing Agency (NTA), and that a probe was underway to identify NTA officials and other government functionaries involved.
NEET-UG 2026 paper leak leads to cancellation of May 3 exam
May 3, 2026
The NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak caused the examination conducted on May 3, 2026 to be cancelled, with a retest scheduled for June 21, 2026.
Radhakrishnan committee formed after 2024 NEET leak
2024
A high-level committee led by former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan was constituted after the 2024 NEET paper leak; the committee reportedly made 95 comprehensive recommendations for reforms in the exam process.