NEET-UG 2026 re-exam on June 21 after leak row, students to get fresh city choice; computer-based test from 2027
NEET-UG 2026 re-exam on June 21: Amid growing outrage over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, the Centre has announced that the medical entrance examination will be conducted again on June 21. The decision comes after the cancellation of the earlier exam, which had thrown the future of more than 22 lakh aspirants into uncertainty.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government was committed to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process and restoring confidence in the national testing system.
In a major relief for candidates, the minister announced that students appearing for the re-examination will be allowed to select their preferred exam city once again. The move is expected to reduce travel difficulties faced by many aspirants during the earlier examination cycle.
Officials said the detailed schedule for the city selection window will soon be uploaded on the official portals of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The government also confirmed that fresh admit cards for the re-examination will be released by June 14. Students can download the hall tickets using their existing application credentials.
Authorities clarified that candidates will not be required to submit fresh applications or pay any additional examination fee. All earlier submitted candidature details will remain valid for the re-exam process.
The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced regarding a possible leak of the NEET-UG question paper. Multiple agencies are now probing the matter, while the Centre has already ordered a CBI investigation into the case.
Initial findings reportedly point towards suspected lapses linked to WhatsApp circulation of papers, handling during the printing stage and possible internal vulnerabilities in the examination chain.
On Thursday evening, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting at his residence to review developments in the investigation. Sources indicated that investigators are also examining the possible role of insiders associated with the NTA.
The Education Minister also announced that NEET examinations will shift to a computer-based format from next year onwards, a move aimed at improving security and minimising chances of future irregularities.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of widespread criticism over the conduct and security of competitive examinations across the country.
The NTA has urged students and parents to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding the examination. Candidates have been advised not to trust unverified information circulating on social media and messaging platforms.
Students can contact the NTA helpline numbers — 011-40759000 and 011-69227700 — or email neet-ug@nta.ac.in for examination-related queries.
- With inputs from agencies
