Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said a re-examination for the NEET 2026 medical entrance test will be held following allegations of paper leaks [1].
The decision follows intense pressure from students and political opposition regarding the integrity of the national examination. The move aims to restore trust in the medical admission process after claims of systemic fraud and contractual controversies involving the CBSE OSM system [1].
During a press conference on May 28, Pradhan addressed student queries regarding the leak and the controversy surrounding the Online Service Management (OSM) contract [1]. He said the re-exam is scheduled for June 21, 2026 [2].
Pradhan also announced a fundamental change to the examination format to prevent future breaches. He said the examination will be computer-based starting next year [2]. This shift is intended to eliminate the vulnerabilities associated with physical paper distribution.
The controversy has also sparked political tension, with discussions extending into Rajasthan politics [1]. Addressing his critics, Pradhan said, "Attacking me will not hide your crimes."
The minister's briefing focused on providing clarity to students who had expressed concerns over the fairness of the original test. By scheduling the re-exam and committing to a digital transition, the ministry seeks to mitigate the fallout from the current crisis [1], [2].
“The examination will be computer-based starting next year.”
The transition to computer-based testing represents a significant shift in India's high-stakes examination infrastructure. By moving away from physical papers, the government is attempting to close the window for traditional leakages, though it introduces new challenges regarding digital security and rural access to testing centers.
