Education Minister Chairs First Meeting On NEET Re-Exam Amid Leak Allegations

Two days after the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination over alleged paper leak concerns, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday chaired the first high-level meeting with senior officials to review preparations for the proposed re-examination. The discussions focused on ensuring that the fresh examination process is conducted securely and transparently, amid growing scrutiny over the integrity of the national medical entrance test.

The meeting was held at the education minister’s residence and attended by top officials from the Ministry of Education and examination bodies. Among those present were Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh, CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, and senior representatives from the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). Officials discussed operational planning, security mechanisms, and coordination required for the re-examination process.

According to sources in the Ministry of Education, the government’s immediate priority is to conduct the examination in a “completely safe, transparent and credible manner.” Authorities are reportedly working on the modalities of the fresh test, including examination centres, logistics, digital security, and monitoring mechanisms to avoid any recurrence of alleged malpractice. Officials are also examining ways to restore confidence among students and parents following the controversy surrounding the cancelled examination.

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While the broad framework for the re-examination has reportedly been discussed, officials said the final schedule is still being worked out. A senior NTA official indicated that fresh examination dates are likely to be announced within the next five to seven days. The agency is expected to coordinate closely with state administrations and educational institutions to ensure smooth conduct of the nationwide test, which is one of the largest entrance examinations in India.

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 triggered widespread concern among students, parents, and coaching institutions after allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surfaced from multiple regions. The issue has intensified debate around examination security and the functioning of the NTA, which conducts several national-level entrance tests. Opposition parties and student groups have also demanded accountability and systemic reforms in examination management.

NEET-UG serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India, making it one of the country’s most competitive and high-stakes examinations. With lakhs of candidates affected by the cancellation, the government is under pressure to ensure that the re-examination process is both efficient and credible, while preventing further disruption to the academic calendar and admission cycle.

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