NEET-UG 2026 cancellation: Govt admits ‘breach in command chain’, promises strict action over paper leak
NEET paper leak row: Days after the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination amid allegations of a paper leak, the Centre on Friday acknowledged lapses in the examination system and assured strict action against all those involved in the scandal.
Addressing a press conference, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government accepted responsibility for the “breach in the command chain” despite implementing several reforms suggested by the high-level Radhakrishnan committee after the 2024 controversy.
The minister stated that the government had attempted to strengthen the examination process by adopting the recommendations of the committee headed by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan. However, he admitted that gaps still remained in the system.
“Despite following the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan committee, there was a breach in the command chain. We accept the lapse and will take corrective measures,” the minister said.
The NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of question paper leakage. The government has now scheduled a fresh examination for June 21.
The minister said the decision to order a re-exam was taken in the interest of genuine and hardworking students so that unfair practices do not damage their future prospects. He also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to lakhs of aspirants and their families.
The issue has triggered widespread protests in several parts of the country, including demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where student organisations demanded accountability and transparency in the conduct of the medical entrance examination.
During the press conference, Pradhan was questioned about allegations regarding the possible involvement of insiders within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Responding to the concerns, he said the Central Bureau of Investigation was conducting a detailed probe into the matter.
According to the minister, the CBI would thoroughly investigate the role of any officials or individuals linked to the alleged leak. He also indicated that shortcomings within the NTA would be identified and addressed.
The remarks came a day after the CBI informed a Delhi court that the origins of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak appeared to be connected to a source within the NTA. The agency reportedly told the court that efforts were underway to identify officials and other functionaries who may have played a role in the leak.
Pradhan further announced several changes for the upcoming re-examination process. Students will now receive an additional 15 minutes to complete formalities related to signing OMR sheets at the start and end of the test. The revised examination timing will be from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.
In another major relief for candidates, students will be allowed to choose the city of their preference for the examination centre. Admit cards for the re-test are expected to be released by June 14.
The education minister also revealed that from next year onward, NEET examinations would gradually shift to a computer-based testing (CBT) format. He said the Radhakrishnan committee had strongly recommended adopting CBT mode to improve transparency and minimise the risk of leaks and malpractice.
The committee, constituted after the 2024 NEET controversy, had reportedly submitted around 95 recommendations aimed at overhauling the examination system and strengthening security mechanism
- With inputs from agencies
