New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday that the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, while informing that the medical-entrance test will be computer-based from next year as part of reforms in view of allegations of irregularities.
Addressing a press conference here, Pradhan said students’ future is the government’s topmost priority, adding that there will be “zero tolerance” for any irregularities found in the conduct of the NEET-UG. Strict action is being taken, he said.
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) held on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of irregularities in the examination process.
Informing that the duration of the re-test has been extended by 15 minutes, Pradhan said the candidates will also get to choose their preferred test cities again and they will get their admit cards by June 14.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) said the candidates will be allowed to update their present address and preferred examination cities on the official website from May 15 to May 21 till 11:50 pm. They can choose first and second preferred cities, while the existing city choices will be retained for those who do not opt for changes.
“No correction of particulars will be allowed except present address and choice of city,” the NTA said, adding that no requests for any change will be entertained after May 21.
“Our topmost priority is the future of the students. I want to appeal to the society, especially to all students, to appear in the examination without fear. The government stands with you. We will not let malpractice happen this time,” Pradhan said.
“We did not want any mafia conspiracy or money power to snatch your seat. We did not want that to happen. That is why we had to take a tough decision. As guardians, as officials entrusted with responsibility and as a minister, we are all deeply saddened and concerned by what has happened,” the minister said.
He said after irregularities linked to the exam surfaced in 2024, the Radhakrishnan Committee was formed and its recommendations were implemented.
“Despite that, this incident occurred. Therefore, our first step was to cancel the examination,” he said.
“To those creating fear and disturbances, I want to say through you — stay away from the upcoming examination process. Otherwise, they will have to face punishment,” Pradhan asserted.
The education minister said the issue came to light after objections were received through the NTA’s grievance-redressal system regarding alleged overlaps with “guess papers”, following which a preliminary inquiry was initiated.
“The examination was conducted on May 3. By May 7, objections were received through the NTA’s grievance-redressal system, stating that certain questions appearing in the alleged guess papers had also appeared in this year’s question set.
“Immediately, discussions were held, and both the NTA and the government, along with the higher education department, initiated a preliminary inquiry,” he said.
Pradhan said the matter was then handed over to the central agencies concerned.
“The process effectively began on the night of May 7 and continued from May 8 onward. Within three to four days … on the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th … when we received clarity and became certain that questions had indeed been leaked under the guise of guess papers, we took action on May 12 in the interest of students.
“We did not want any deserving student to be deprived of their rights because of the conspiracy of the education mafia or because of an undeserving candidate benefitting through unfair means,” the minister said.
He said the government has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and expressed confidence in the probe. “The CBI has rightly said … no one will be spared. Whether someone is within the NTA or outside it, no one will be spared,” he asserted.
“The CBT 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,” Pradhan said.
He said students will also be given the option to select the cities where they want to take the re-test. “The NTA has decided to give students a week to choose their preferred examination city for the re-test,” Pradhan said, adding that it has been decided to extend the examination duration by 15 minutes.
“The exam, which was scheduled from 2 pm to 5 pm, will now continue till 5:15 pm,” he said.
According to a notice issued by the NTA, the examination will be conducted in the pen-and-paper (offline) mode across 13 languages from 2 pm to 5:15 pm, including the time for formalities.
“Announcement of city intimation, admit cards and other details will be intimated later on the official website by June 14,” it added.
Pradhan said the Centre will also coordinate transport arrangements for students with the states. “The government of India will speak to the states regarding the arrangement of transport facilities,” he said, adding that the NTA is also considering weather-related contingency arrangements for June 21.
The press conference came after a high-level meeting was held at Pradhan’s residence late on Thursday evening to review the preparations for the re-test.
