New Delhi, May 15: Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) will transition to a fully computer-based examination format from next year, signalling a major overhaul in India’s medical entrance examination system.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over examination integrity following recent paper leak allegations and the subsequent cancellation of the exam, which impacted lakhs of aspirants across the country.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, the minister said the government has decided to move away from the traditional paper-based system in favour of an online examination model to improve transparency, security, and operational efficiency.
Pradhan stated that the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee have already been implemented, although he acknowledged lapses within the examination administration chain and assured that corrective measures are being undertaken.
Describing the issue as a “long and sustained fight” against the education mafia, the minister said the Central Bureau of Investigation is conducting a multi-layered investigation into the alleged breach to identify how the examination system was compromised.
He further assured students that the government would deploy its full administrative machinery to prevent malpractice and restore confidence in the examination process.
The minister also confirmed that the National Testing Agency will conduct the NEET re-examination on June 21, nearly a month after the original test. Admit cards are expected to be issued by June 14.
Candidates will be allowed to select their preferred examination city through a dedicated one-week correction window. Additionally, students will receive 15 extra minutes for filling details in the OMR sheet during the re-examination.
Pradhan added that examination fees paid by candidates would be refunded and no additional fee would be charged for the re-test.
The planned transition to a computer-based model reflects the government’s broader push to modernise India’s high-stakes examination ecosystem through enhanced digital infrastructure, tighter security protocols, and improved operational oversight.
