New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the NEET UG examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year, replacing the existing OMR-based format, following recent concerns over paper leak and examination irregularities.
Addressing a press briefing, Pradhan said the move is aimed at strengthening the examination system and reducing the scope of malpractice.
“From next year, the NEET examination will be conducted as a computer-based test instead of OMR sheets,” he said, adding that the government is focused on addressing the “root causes” of repeated irregularities in high-stakes examinations.
He said a fresh examination schedule has been finalised, with admit cards to be issued by June 14 and the re-exam scheduled for June 21.
Pradhan reiterated that the government follows a policy of “zero tolerance” towards exam malpractice and warned against misinformation being circulated on social media, saying some accounts were attempting to create confusion.
He said the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probe, and central agencies are tracking attempts to disrupt the examination process.
According to him, irregularities surfaced after the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3, when reports of a “guess paper” began circulating. Subsequent inputs were examined by agencies, which later confirmed the leak.
Following confirmation that the integrity of the examination had been compromised, the government cancelled the test on May 12, he said.
Pradhan also referred to earlier reform efforts, including the setting up of the Radhakrishnan Committee, and said strengthening exam security remains a priority.
