BackPOLITICS
NEET-UG paper leak row: Exam to go fully computer-based from next year, Pradhan says
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a re-exam for NEET-UG 2026 on June 21 and said the exam will shift to a computer-based format from next year to improve transparency. The NTA canceled NEET-UG, with the CBI to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities, and refunds and policy changes were outlined for students attending the re-exam. The announcements followed investigations into a suspected leak tied to a guessed paper after the May 3 exam.
Why It Matters
The event outlines a major shift in NEET administration aimed at preventing future leaks, including moving to computer-based testing and instituting a CBI-led inquiry, with student refunds and policy adjustments affecting test administration and access.
Timeline
6 Events
May 15, 2026: Pradhan announces re-exam on June 21 and shift to computer-based format from next year
May 15, 2026
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that NEET-UG 2026 would have a re-exam on June 21. He stated that NEET would shift to a computer-based format from next year to enhance transparency. He also announced refunds of fees for affected students and zero fees for the re-exam, and said exam-city selection would be reopened. The duration would be extended by 15 minutes, with admit cards to be issued by June 14. The government would coordinate with states on transportation, and the CBI would conduct the inquiry.
May 12, 2026: NTA cancels NEET-UG and CBI to conduct inquiry
May 12, 2026
NTA announced the cancellation of NEET-UG and stated that the Central Bureau of Investigation would carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the irregularities.
May 11, 2026: Investigations conclude guess paper was an excuse to leak questions
May 11, 2026
Investigations from May 8 to May 11 confirmed that the circulating guess paper was used as an excuse to leak questions.
May 8, 2026: Investigations into alleged paper leak begin
May 8, 2026
NTA began investigations into the alleged paper leak, as part of the inquiry into irregularities surrounding NEET-UG 2026.
May 7, 2026: NTA receives grievance redressal about possible leak
May 7, 2026
NTA received a grievance redressal alleging a leak due to circulation of a guess paper, prompting investigations.
May 3, 2026: NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted
May 3, 2026
NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3. The article notes subsequent concerns about a possible leak linked to a guessed paper after the exam.