NEET to Go Fully Computer-Based From Next Year, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi, May 2026 : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) will shift to a computer-based examination format from next year, marking a major overhaul in the conduct of one of India’s largest competitive examinations.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, the minister said the Centre had decided to move away from the traditional pen-and-paper model in the wake of the recent NEET paper leak controversy and the subsequent cancellation of the examination.

Pradhan said there was an urgent need to modernise the examination system and ensure greater transparency and security in the conduct of national-level entrance tests.

His announcement comes amid widespread anger and anxiety among lakhs of students and parents after allegations of question paper leaks forced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, raising serious concerns over the functioning of the National Testing Agency.

The minister stated that the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee had already been implemented, but admitted that there had been a breakdown somewhere in the chain of command.

“We are taking corrective measures to strengthen the system,” Pradhan said, describing the government’s action against organised examination fraud as a “long and sustained fight” against the education mafia operating in the country.

He said the Central Bureau of Investigation was carrying out a multi-level probe into the paper leak case and expressed confidence that investigators would soon identify how the accused managed to breach what he described as a “fool-proof” examination system.

Seeking to reassure students, the Education Minister said the government machinery would work collectively to ensure that no malpractice takes place during the re-examination process.

Pradhan also confirmed that the NEET re-examination will be conducted on June 21, nearly a month after the original exam date. He informed that all candidates would receive their admit cards by June 14.

To make the process more convenient for students, the minister said aspirants would be given an opportunity to choose their preferred examination city through a dedicated one-week correction and preference window.

He further announced that candidates would be provided an additional 15 minutes to fill in details on the OMR sheet during the re-examination.

The minister also said the NTA had decided to refund examination fees paid by all candidates following the cancellation of the earlier exam. He added that no additional fee would be charged for appearing in the re-examination.

The move towards a computer-based NEET system is expected to significantly change the examination framework in the coming years, with officials indicating that digital testing could help reduce risks associated with paper handling, logistics and leaks.

Education experts believe the transition will require large-scale infrastructure preparation, especially in rural areas, but many have welcomed the decision as a necessary step towards improving credibility and accountability in India’s competitive examination system.