New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has confirmed that the NEET-UG re-examination will take place on June 21, while unveiling a major reform to transition the medical entrance test to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting next year.

The decision follows the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to confirmed irregularities. Addressing the media, Pradhan emphasised that the government’s "topmost priority" is the students and their future, promising a transparent process moving forward.
 

Key reforms and investigations

The Minister highlighted that the shift from the traditional OMR-based format to CBT is a strategic move to curb malpractice. "CBT (computer-based test) mode of exam is comparatively better than OMR. It is a bit protected," Pradhan stated, acknowledging that while cybercrime presents challenges, the system must be modernised to remain secure.

Regarding the investigation into the previous exam's failure, Pradhan shared the following timeline:

  • May 8–11: Preliminary inquiry after grievances regarding "guess paper" overlaps.
  • May 12: Formal decision to cancel the exam once question leaks were confirmed.
  • Current Status: The case has been handed over to the CBI.

"CBI has rightly said... no one will be spared. Whether someone is within the NTA or outside it, no one will be spared," Pradhan asserted, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption within the National Testing Agency (NTA).


PTI