The Centre has announced sweeping reforms in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) process, after the massive NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy triggered outrage among students, parents, and opposition parties across India. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed that from next year NEET-UG will be conducted in a fully computer-based format, replacing the traditional OMR based pen-and-paper system.
The announcement comes days after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination, over allegations of a large-scale paper leak and examination irregularities. The matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
NEET UG 2027 To Be Online
Speaking on rising worries about exam security and transparency, Dharmendra Pradhan said that NEET-UG examinations from next year onward will be conducted through Computer-Based Testing (CBT), not via the usual OMR approach. The move is aimed at eliminating vulnerabilities linked to physical question papers and OMR sheets.
While addressing a press conference, Pradhan said, “One important point I wanted to mention is that from next year, the root issue will be addressed. The NEET examination will be conducted as a computer-based test instead of (on) OMR sheets.”
Currently, NEET-UG is conducted in offline mode using OMR sheets across thousands of centres nationwide. With the new system, candidates will answer questions digitally at designated computer centres under stricter monitoring mechanisms.
No OMR Sheets
The removal of OMR sheets is being seen as a major step in tightening exam security. According to reports, authorities are planning multiple new safeguards including encrypted digital question delivery systems, AI-based monitoring, stronger biometric verification, and enhanced cyber surveillance during the examination process.
Education Ministry officials have reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” policy toward examination malpractices and organised paper leak networks.
NEET re-exam on June 21 after paper leak confirmation, says Dharmendra Pradhan
No Fresh Registration or Retest Fee
In relief for lakhs of affected aspirants, the government clarified that students will not have to re-register for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. No additional examination fee will be charged either. Existing registration data and examination centre preferences will remain valid for the retest.
The NTA has announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled for June 21, following the cancellation of the earlier May 3 exam.
“The new dates of the re-examination have been declared for June 21st… The exam took place on 3rd May and on 7th May, NTA received a complaint that the guess paper had some questions that were present in the Question sheets this time. The Higher Education Department initiated an immediate inquiry and handed it over to the government agency… They contacted the state agencies and by May 12th, we were confirmed that, under the guise of a guess paper, the actual examination questions had indeed …been leaked…” he told the media.
The original examination was attended by over 22 lakh medical aspirants across India and abroad.
CBI Probe Intensifies
The CBI has expanded its investigation into the alleged paper leak syndicate. According to reports, multiple arrests have already been made, and investigators are probing possible insider links connected to the NTA and examination handling systems.
Officials informed courts that the leak may involve an organised network operating for financial gains. Reports also suggest that so-called “guess papers” circulating before the exam reportedly matched several actual questions in the examination paper.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Dharmendra Pradhan was held to discuss the retest timeline, future safeguards, and coordination among educational bodies.
