New Delhi, May 15: The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting crucial exams like NEET, is now under investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will scrutinize NTA officials as part of this inquiry.
The NEET exam, held on May 3, was canceled due to a paper leak. The CBI will investigate NTA’s involvement in this incident. The exam will be rescheduled for June 21. The Union Education Minister acknowledged that reforms were implemented in NTA after 2024, yet issues persisted in 2026, prompting calls for further comprehensive reforms.
On Friday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the CBI will thoroughly investigate the matter. No one will be spared, whether inside or outside the NTA. He mentioned that recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee were put in place to ensure transparency and integrity in the examination process. However, the paper leak incident has led to a more serious investigation.
Pradhan remarked that the paper leak and examination mafia have become not just administrative issues but a “social disease.” The government recognizes this problem and takes responsibility for addressing it. He urged society, media, state governments, and all political parties to collaborate, emphasizing the need for a fair, transparent, and clean examination system. He stated that deserving students’ seats cannot be taken away through monetary means.
In a significant announcement, the minister revealed that starting next year, the NEET exam will transition from the traditional OMR system to a computer-based format.
When asked about opposition allegations, he refrained from commenting, asserting that this is not a political issue but a collective social responsibility. Regarding the potential CBI investigation into NTA personnel and their involvement in the paper leak, Pradhan affirmed that the agency is working in the right direction and that no guilty party will be overlooked.
The minister expressed the government’s desire for the National Examination Agency to become fully trustworthy and to ensure zero errors in examinations. He stated that it is the government’s duty to advance India’s examination system in this direction.
He also mentioned that on the day the exam was canceled, the NTA decided to refund the fees for the initially scheduled NEET UG exam. Additionally, no fees will be charged for the rescheduled exam on June 21, 2026, to alleviate any financial burden on students and parents. Pradhan indicated that the NTA will soon release a detailed press note regarding this, but under preliminary decisions, students will have a week to choose their preferred exam city. The government believes many students may have returned to their hometowns after the first exam, making this accommodation necessary.
Furthermore, he noted that some students had complained about delays in initial and final formalities, such as signatures, during the previous exam. To address this, the exam duration has been extended by 15 minutes. The exam will now run from 2 PM to 5:15 PM. The minister confirmed that all students’ admit cards will be issued by June 14, 2026. He also highlighted that several state governments had arranged transportation for students during the last exam, and similar cooperation is expected this time.
Pradhan assured that the central government will work with states to ensure minimal inconvenience for students during the NEET UG re-examination on June 21, 2026. He mentioned that he would personally speak with various state chief ministers to ensure transportation and other facilities for students.
It is noteworthy that International Yoga Day is also celebrated on this date. The education minister stated that this consideration has been taken into account, ensuring that students will not face any inconvenience. He acknowledged that June may bring rain and weather-related challenges in several states. In light of this, the NTA is planning alternative arrangements to ensure the exam proceeds smoothly despite adverse weather conditions.
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