NEET-UG to be re-held on May 12

The Union Government on Friday announced dates for the re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG) after it was cancelled on May 12 on allegations of paper leak. The re-test will be held on Sunday, June 21.

Sources said the decision was taken at a high-level meeting at the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s residence attended by senior officials of education ministry, National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh, officials from CBSE and other important stakeholder of the examinations system.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Pradhan said that after irregularities surfaced last time, the Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted, and its recommendations were implemented. “Despite that, this incident occurred. Therefore, our first step was to cancel the examination. To those creating fear and disturbances, I want to say through you: stay away from the upcoming examination process. Otherwise, they will have to face punishment,” he added.

“We did not want any mafia conspiracy or money power to snatch away your seat. We did not want that to happen. That is why we had to take a tough decision. As guardians, as officials entrusted with responsibility, and as a minister, we are all deeply saddened and concerned by what has happened,” he said.

Pradhan added that the duration of the re-test has been extended by 15 minutes and the re-examination will be held using the pen-paper model. He further stated that candidates will also get to choose their preferred test cities again and admit cards for the re-test will be issued by June 14. The minister also said NEET-UG will be Computer-Based Test (CBT) from next year as part of reforms in view of allegations of irregularities linked to it.

“CBT mode of exam is comparatively better than OMR. It is a bit protected. Cybercrime has become a big world in itself. There are challenges, however, we will have to trust the system of our country,” he further said.

Sources also said that this time the logistics and security apparatus may be handed over to the paramilitary forces, specifically CISF, to use the forces as a deterrent for the mafia in the system.

“The examination was conducted on May 3. By May 7, objections were received through the NTA’s grievance redressal system stating that certain questions appearing in the alleged ‘guess papers’ had also appeared in this year’s question set. Immediately, discussions were held, and both the NTA and the Government, along with the Higher Education Department, initiated a preliminary inquiry,” he said.

Pradhan said the Government has handed over the case to the CBI and expressed confidence in the probe. “CBI has rightly said... no one will be spared. Whether someone is within the NTA or outside it, no one will be spared,” he said.

Pradhan said students’ future remains the Government’s topmost priority, adding that there will be “zero tolerance” for any irregularities found in the conduct of the NEET-UG. Strict action is being taken, he said.