NEET-UG to be held again on June 21; exam to shift to computer-based format from 2027

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21 and said the medical entrance exam will shift to a computer-based test from next year as part of reforms following allegations of irregularities linked to the examination.

Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said the government’s “topmost priority” remains students and their future. He said strict action is being taken against irregularities found in the conduct of NEET-UG.

“Our topmost priority is the future of the students. We will not let malpractice happen this time. The government is with you,” he said.

NEET-UG, which was held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of irregularities in the examination process.

Pradhan said the issue came to light after objections were received through the National Testing Agency grievance system regarding alleged overlaps with “guess papers”, following which an inquiry was initiated.

“The process began on May 8 and continued through May 8, 9, 10 and 11. When we got clarity and were confirmed that questions had gone out. We took the decision on May 12 in the interest of students,” he said.

“Immediately, discussions were held, and both the NTA and the government, along with the Higher Education Department, initiated a preliminary inquiry. The matter was then handed over to the concerned agencies of the Government of India,” he said.

The minister said the government had handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation and expressed confidence in the probe.

“CBI has rightly said… no one will be spared. Whether someone is within the NTA or outside it, no one will be spared,” he said.

Pradhan also said the computer-based test mode was safer compared to the existing OMR-based examination system.

“CBT (computer-based test) mode of exam is comparatively better than OMR. It is a bit protected. Cybercrime has become a big world in itself. There are challenges, however, we will have to trust the system of our country,” the minister said.

The press conference came after a high-level meeting was held late on Thursday evening at Pradhan’s residence to review preparations for conducting the examination afresh.