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NEET-UG 2026 paper leak prompts reform calls and exemption of state seats
An article published on May 14, 2026 reports expert proposals in response to a NEET-UG paper leak, including calls for computer-based testing, tighter regulation of coaching centres, and exemption of state-government medical seats. It also covers opinions on decentralisation, digital security, and fairness mechanisms to prevent future malpractices.
Why It Matters
The suggested reforms could reshape NEET-UG administration, potentially affecting exam security, equity of access, and state versus national control over medical admission processes.
Timeline
5 Events
Overall emphasis on reforms to curb malpractices in NEET-UG
May 14, 2026
The article consolidates expert viewpoints that reforms—ranging from online, computer-based testing and reduced dependence on paper, to tighter oversight of coaching centres and a moderated approach to state-seat exemptions—are necessary to minimise malpractices and restore credibility in the NEET-UG process.
Jayadevan advocates digitisation and fairness mechanisms
May 14, 2026
Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin, supported digitising the exam to encrypt questions and make them available only at test time. He favored multi-session testing to prevent local leaks from causing systemic failure, and advocated psychometric normalization to convert raw marks to percentile scores, ensuring merit reflects relative performance rather than absolute difficulty.
Kelkar on decentralisation, safety measures, and national framework
May 14, 2026
Dr. Kelkar discussed the trade-offs of decentralising the NEET exam, noting both advantages and risks. He suggested that decentralisation, if pursued, should operate under a strong national framework to preserve merit and parity. He endorsed minimal human handling of question papers, controlled last-minute printing, regular audits, strict official accountability, and the use of CCTV surveillance to reduce malpractices, underscoring the importance of technology and an ethics-driven culture among exam personnel.
Ravindranath advocates registration, online exam, and state-seat exemption
May 14, 2026
G.R. Ravindranath, general secretary of the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality, called for compulsory registration of coaching centres, moving NEET-UG online with computers, and implementing the Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations. He also pressed for exempting Tamil Nadu’s state-government undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty medical seats from NEET, arguing this would prevent large-scale simultaneous testing and reduce irregularities. He further proposed free coaching with boarding for the poor and regulation of private coaching centres.
May 14, 2026 – Article publication on NEET-UG paper leak and expert responses
May 14, 2026
The article published on May 14, 2026 reports that experts condemned the Central Government's handling ahead of the NEET-UG exam cancellation and urged reforms to minimise malpractices. It notes discussions around conducting NEET-UG as a computer-based online exam, implementing Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations, and Tamil Nadu's demand to exempt state-government medical seats to reduce exam size and irregularities.