New Delhi

Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 will be conducted on June 21, while declaring a major overhaul of the examination system, including a shift to a computer-based format from next year.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the Union Education Minister said the government’s “topmost priority” is protecting students’ future and reiterated a policy of “zero tolerance” towards malpractice and examination-related irregularities.

The original NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3, was cancelled after allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surfaced. Pradhan said the decision to cancel the test was taken after a preliminary inquiry confirmed that some questions had been leaked under the guise of so-called “guess papers.”

He said candidates appearing for the re-test will be given an opportunity to reselect their preferred examination cities, with one week provided for the process. Admit cards will be issued by June 14. The duration of the examination has also been extended by 15 minutes, with the test now scheduled from 2 pm to 5:15 pm instead of 5 pm.

Pradhan said the central government will coordinate with state governments to ensure transportation facilities for students and is also considering weather-related contingency arrangements for June 21.

Referring to the investigation, the minister said the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation, asserting that no one—whether inside or outside the National Testing Agency—would be spared if found guilty.

Announcing long-term reforms, Pradhan said NEET will move from the current OMR-based system to a computer-based test (CBT) from 2027, stating that the digital format offers stronger safeguards against manipulation, even as cybersecurity challenges remain.

READ MORE: Naima Khatoon, AMU's first woman VC is injecting dynamism in varsity's culture

He also appealed directly to students to appear for the re-examination without fear, assuring them that the government would ensure a fair, transparent and secure examination process.