NEW DELHI, May 15 : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the NEET-UG re-examination on June 21 and said the entrance test will be shifted to Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year as part of wider reforms to ensure transparency and curb malpractice.
Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said the government’s top priority remains the future of students and assured strict measures to prevent irregularities in competitive examinations.
“Our topmost priority is the future of students… we will not let malpractice happen again,” he said, adding that the government was “saddened” but had taken the decision in the larger interest of students.
He acknowledged that questions had leaked under the guise of “guess papers” and said the verification process began on May 8 and continued over the following days before the decision to cancel the exam was taken on May 12.
Pradhan said the government followed a zero-tolerance policy towards exam irregularities and implemented recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, which had been formed after earlier concerns regarding examination processes.
Despite these measures, he said irregularities occurred again, leading to the cancellation of the exam.
The Minister also defended the NTA, saying it remains a credible institution conducting examinations for nearly one crore students annually and is fully accountable for ensuring transparency.
He further announced a series of student-centric measures, including refund of examination fees and waiver of charges for the upcoming test.
“We will return the fees of students. The upcoming examination will be conducted with zero fees,” he said.
Pradhan added that from next year, NEET-UG will be conducted in CBT mode to strengthen the system and reduce the chances of malpractice.
He also said candidates will be allowed to reselect their examination cities, with the NTA issuing a detailed notice shortly. Students will be given one week to make their preferences, considering many may have changed locations after the earlier exam.
To ease logistical challenges, the government will coordinate with state authorities to ensure smooth transportation arrangements for students.
The minister further announced that exam duration will be extended by 15 minutes to complete formalities such as attendance and documentation, and said admit cards will be issued by June 14.
