Pioneer In Short

NEET Results out On Schedule

Punjab’s Aryan Gupta and Haryana's Panshul Bansal topped NEET-UG 2026 with scores of 715 out of 720, as the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced results on Thursday. A total of 11.21 lakh candidates qualified the medical entrance examination, with women accounting for over 58 per cent of successful candidates. Nineteen candidates scored 700 marks or above, while 138 secured 690 marks. The NTA said 1,492 candidates scored 650-plus and 10,160 candidates crossed the 600-mark threshold. The exam, held on May 9, was cancelled three days later following allegations of a paper leak and was re-conducted on June 21. The NTA said results were declared on schedule through a reworked process to ensure medical admissions and counselling remain unaffected. Nearly 25 lakh candidates appeared for NEET-UG.

NEET scores are also used for admissions to dental, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha courses. Following the controversy over alleged irregularities, the Centre has decided to shift NEET-UG from pen-and-paper mode to a computer-based format.

Wangchuk fast: Delhi HC steps in

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed authorities to conduct daily health checks of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, and provide medical intervention if required. A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said the life of every citizen was precious and all necessary medical efforts should be made to safeguard it. The court directed that Wangchuk’s condition be monitored by Government doctors and appropriate steps taken based on their assessment. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi Government, told the court that daily health check-ups were being carried out and authorities had no objection to regular medical monitoring.

Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has been fasting indefinitely as part of an agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET irregularities. The court was hearing a PIL seeking authorities’ intervention over Wangchuk’s health, including a plea for medical assistance if his condition deteriorated. It closed the proceedings after issuing directions for continuous monitoring.