New Delhi, May 15: In a major reform aimed at restoring trust in India’s medical entrance examination system, the Centre has announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will shift to a fully computer-based format from next year following the recent paper leak controversy that triggered nationwide outrage among students and parents.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made the announcement amid an expanding investigation into the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper. The decision comes days after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May 3 examination due to allegations of malpractice and irregularities.
According to reports, investigators found that leaked “guess papers” circulating in Rajasthan reportedly matched a large portion of the original examination questions. The case was initially investigated by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) before being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a nationwide probe.
Speaking on the controversy, Pradhan reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” policy toward examination fraud and assured students that strict action would be taken against those responsible. He stated that transitioning to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) system is intended to strengthen examination security, reduce human handling of question papers, and minimize the possibility of leaks in future national-level exams.
The controversy has intensified political debate across the country, with opposition parties questioning the functioning of the NTA and demanding accountability over repeated exam-related irregularities. Student groups and medical associations have also called for structural reforms in India’s examination system.
Sources indicate that the government is also reviewing additional security measures, including stronger digital monitoring systems, tighter coordination between agencies, and revised operational protocols for future competitive examinations. A high-level review meeting chaired by the Education Minister reportedly included senior officials from the NTA, CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and other educational bodies to discuss the roadmap for the re-examination process and future reforms.
Meanwhile, the NTA has announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is expected to be conducted on June 21, with fresh guidelines and registration details to be issued shortly. More than 22 lakh aspirants across the country have been affected by the cancellation of the original exam.
