Dharmendra Pradhan Announces Computer-Based NEET From Next Year

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the NEET-UG medical entrance examination will be re-conducted on June 21 after the earlier exam was cancelled due to allegations of irregularities in the examination process.

Addressing a press conference, the minister said the government’s highest priority is protecting the future of students and ensuring a fair and transparent examination system.

“Our topmost priority is the future of the students. We will not let malpractice happen this time. The government is with you,” Dharmendra Pradhan said.

The announcement comes amid nationwide concern over alleged irregularities and malpractice linked to the earlier NEET-UG examination, which was conducted on May 3. The National Testing Agency had earlier cancelled the examination and handed over the investigation into the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The Education Minister also announced a major reform in the examination process, stating that NEET-UG will be conducted as a computer-based test from next year onwards. The move is aimed at improving transparency, strengthening security measures, and reducing the possibility of malpractice.

Officials said the government is implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms and examination reforms to restore confidence among students and parents following the controversy.

NEET-UG is one of India’s largest and most competitive entrance examinations, serving as the gateway for admissions to undergraduate medical and dental programmes across the country.

The shift to a computer-based format is expected to align NEET-UG with several other national-level competitive examinations that already follow digital testing systems.