Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that the NEET Undergraduate examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year following the controversy surrounding the recently cancelled NEET UG 2026 examination.
The decision comes after allegations of paper leak and irregularities in the NEET UG 2026 exam, which was originally conducted on May 3 and later cancelled by the National Testing Agency.
NEET UG to Move From OMR to CBT Mode
Addressing reporters in New Delhi, the Union Education Minister said the government follows a “zero tolerance policy” towards malpractice in national-level examinations.
NEET UG 2026 Cancelled; Re-Examination Date, Centre Orders CBI Probe
He stated that shifting NEET UG from the traditional OMR-based format to CBT mode is aimed at strengthening the examination system and preventing future irregularities.
According to the minister, complaints were received after similarities were reportedly found between a circulated “guess paper” and the actual NEET UG question paper.
Why NEET UG 2026 Was Cancelled
Dharmendra Pradhan said the NEET UG 2026 examination was cancelled after preliminary investigations indicated that the paper may have been leaked under the guise of study material.
The government later approved the cancellation of the examination in order to maintain transparency and credibility in the medical entrance examination process.
NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam on June 21
The minister confirmed that the re-examination for NEET UG 2026 has been scheduled for June 21, 2026.
The revised examination will be conducted under stricter security arrangements and enhanced monitoring protocols across all examination centres in India and abroad.
CBI Investigating NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Case
The case related to the alleged NEET paper leak has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation agency is currently probing:
- The alleged leak network
- Possible insider involvement
- Distribution of suspicious study material
- Security lapses linked to the examination process
Stricter Security Measures Planned for Future Exams
The Education Minister assured students and parents that stronger safeguards will be implemented in future examinations.
The government is expected to introduce:
- Computer-Based Testing system
- Advanced digital surveillance
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures
- Stricter centre monitoring
- Improved candidate verification process
Nationwide Concern Over Exam Integrity
The NEET UG controversy triggered widespread concern among students, parents and educational experts across the country. Many aspirants demanded stricter examination reforms and stronger security mechanisms to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.
The move to CBT mode is being viewed as a major reform aimed at reducing the possibility of paper leaks and improving transparency in the examination process.
Official Website for NEET UG Updates
Candidates can check official updates regarding NEET UG examinations on:
- neet.nta.nic.in
NEET UG Latest Updates
More details regarding the proposed CBT pattern, examination format, syllabus structure and implementation process are expected to be announced by NTA and the Education Ministry in the coming months.