NEET retest set for Jun 21; exam to go digital in 2027

The Union government will transition the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) to a computer-based test (CBT) next year, replacing the traditional pen-and-paper format to curb paper leaks, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday, as he also announced June 21 as the date for the re-examination for those who took the NEET-UG this year.

- Sanjay Maurya

The National Testing Agency's (NTA) on May 12 cancelled NEET-UG 2026 examination nine days after it was held after a widespread leak was confirmed by agencies. Pradhan, in his first remarks on the leak, said the government accepts responsibility for a “breach in command chain,” despite following recommendations from the Radhakrishnan committee — a seven-member panel established after the 2024 leaks to strengthen the agency.

Admit cards for the June 21 re-examination, to be held in paper-pen format, will be issued by June 14, Pradhan said. Candidates will receive 15 extra minutes and can reselect their preferred exam cities.

The shift to a digital format, from next year onwards, will require the NTA to upgrade its technological infrastructure and train personnel, experts said.

Pradhan noted the Radhakrishnan committee made a “strong case” in October 2024 for moving to CBT mode, calling it the “sure way forward” to prevent leaks. A panel member, who spoke to HT and asked not to be named, welcomed the shift, adding: “Union education ministry and NTA also need to build strong infrastructure and work continuously for capacity building for smooth transition to CBT mode from next year.”

Then-human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar proposed a similar online testing shift in 2018. The plan was shelved after the health ministry objected, citing inadequate computer access for disadvantaged candidates, score normalisation complexities, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act's requirement for a “uniform” examination.

Officials in the health and education ministries did not respond to queries for comment.