New Delhi, June 10: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday assured students and parents that the upcoming NEET-UG 2026 re-test will be conducted without irregularities, saying the Centre has put in place an extensive multi-agency mechanism to ensure transparency, confidentiality and timely declaration of results.
The re-examination is scheduled for June 21 following allegations of discrepancies and a paper leak in the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3, which triggered nationwide concerns over the integrity of the country’s largest medical entrance examination.
Pradhan visited the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to personally review preparations and assess measures being implemented to prevent a recurrence of past lapses.
Addressing reporters after the review meeting, the minister said the government has significantly strengthened security arrangements at every stage of the examination process, from question paper preparation and printing to transportation and distribution at examination centres.
“NTA is going to conduct the re-NEET exam on June 21. We have reviewed the process several times and today I came personally to review the preparations,” he said.
According to the minister, enhanced safeguards have been introduced to maintain strict confidentiality throughout the examination cycle. He said departments involved in question paper handling, logistics and examination management have been directed to follow stricter protocols than in previous years.
Pradhan revealed that a high-level coordination mechanism involving multiple ministries and departments has been activated. A meeting of concerned secretaries was recently held under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, while further reviews are being undertaken by senior officials across the government.
The minister said he had written to Chief Ministers across the country seeking support for the smooth conduct of the examination. State governments, he added, have responded positively, with several Chief Ministers convening meetings involving district collectors, police officials, chief secretaries and director generals of police to oversee preparations.
“NTA’s Director General has been attending many of these meetings virtually to ensure coordination,” Pradhan said.
He further disclosed that the Union Home Ministry, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and other agencies have been brought together to address security and cyber-related challenges associated with the examination.
“The Prime Minister himself has taken responsibility and wants to ensure that students are reassured through the entire administrative system,” the minister said, adding that the government was determined not to repeat previous mistakes.
The re-test is expected to be conducted in 551 cities across the country. Pradhan expressed confidence that the NTA would successfully manage the process despite the logistical and security challenges involved.
Seeking to reassure candidates, he said results would be declared on schedule to minimise disruption to the academic calendar and ensure that admissions to medical institutions are not delayed.
The minister also addressed the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak and examination irregularities. He said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is examining the circumstances surrounding the case and identifying those responsible.
Pradhan called for stringent action against individuals implicated in the scandal, including a speedy trial in fast-track courts and exemplary punishment for those found guilty.
He further indicated that the NTA is exploring legal options against individuals and entities that may have breached contractual obligations and confidentiality agreements linked to the examination process.
“The accused should face the strictest possible punishment,” he said, while expressing confidence that the ongoing investigation would uncover the full extent of the irregularities.
