NEET-UG re-test planning begins: Union Education Minister holds key meeting with NTA, CBSE officials

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a late-night high-level meeting in New Delhi to review preparations for the NEET-UG re-examination, following the cancellation of the exam due to alleged paper leak concerns.

The meeting marked the first major review after the cancellation and focused on ensuring that the re-exam process is conducted in a secure, transparent, and credible manner.

Top officials attend key discussion

The meeting was attended by senior officials from multiple education bodies and institutions, including Secretary (Higher Education) Vineet Joshi, Secretary (School Education) Sanjay Kumar, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Abhishek Singh, CBSE Chairperson, and representatives from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).

Officials collectively reviewed the situation arising after the cancellation and discussed the operational framework required for conducting the re-examination for over 22 lakh candidates.

Focus on secure and transparent re-exam

According to sources, the government’s primary focus is to ensure that the re-examination is conducted in a completely secure and transparent manner. While broad planning has begun, officials confirmed that the exact dates for the NEET-UG re-exam are still being finalised.

A senior official from the National Testing Agency indicated that the schedule is likely to be announced within the next five to seven days after final approvals.

The NEET-UG 2026 exam, conducted on May 3, was cancelled after allegations of a question paper leak surfaced. The cancellation impacted more than 22 lakh candidates across the country and triggered widespread concern over exam integrity.

The case is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is examining the alleged organised network behind the leak.

CBI investigation and arrests

In parallel proceedings, a court granted custody of five accused individuals involved in the alleged paper leak case. The court noted that the investigation suggests a wider conspiracy involving the circulation of the leaked question paper and financial transactions linked to its distribution.

Authorities are also examining digital evidence, with allegations that some accused attempted to delete incriminating data from their devices.

Officials have indicated that the NEET-UG re-examination dates are expected to be announced soon after finalisation of logistics and security arrangements. The ministry is working on ensuring tighter safeguards to prevent any recurrence of malpractice.

The matter remains under close review as authorities aim to restore confidence in one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations.
(With ANI inputs)