NEET Exam To Go Online From Next Year, Centre Announces Major Reform After Paper Leak Row

In a major reform aimed at improving transparency and security in the NEET examination process, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the medical entrance test will be conducted in a computer-based online format from next year. The announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday, following nationwide concerns over alleged paper leak incidents linked to the examination. The central government has decided to overhaul the existing system to prevent future irregularities and restore trust among students and parents. The move is being seen as one of the most significant changes introduced in the examination process in recent years across India.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which was formed in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court, currently manages examinations for more than one crore students across the country. According to the Union Education Minister, the shift to an online examination model has been planned to eliminate loopholes, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and bring greater transparency to the entire process. He expressed confidence that the new system would provide relief to lakhs of aspirants and help dismantle networks involved in examination malpractice. The minister also stated that the government is determined to ensure a fair, secure, and corruption-free examination environment for all students appearing in competitive entrance tests.

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Meanwhile, the rescheduled NEET examination will now be conducted across the country on June 21, 2026. Admit cards for candidates will be made available by June 14, allowing students enough time to prepare for the examination process. Authorities have confirmed that students will be given complete freedom to choose their preferred examination centres and cities. In another significant change, candidates will receive an additional 15 minutes to complete the paper this year. The examination will take place from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. Additionally, the NTA has decided to refund examination fees in order to reduce the financial burden on affected students and families.

The controversy surrounding the examination intensified after allegations of malpractice surfaced following the test conducted on May 3. A formal investigation into the matter was initiated on May 8, after multiple complaints and reports of irregularities emerged from different parts of the country. Subsequently, on May 12, authorities took the decision to cancel the examination in the interest of students. Central Bureau of Investigation is currently probing the case, the Education Minister confirmed during the briefing. He warned that the government remains fully committed to taking strict action against examination mafias and assured that the masterminds behind the alleged scam would face severe punishment under the law.