Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the government had taken “tough decisions” following irregularities in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 and was committed to ensuring that the re-test scheduled for June 21 is “100 per cent error-free”.
Addressing the Jagran Bharat Education Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, Pradhan said the government decided to cancel the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) after authorities found that “some assessments had been compromised”.
The NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3 by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical courses, was scrapped amid allegations of paper leak and irregularities. The matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while the re-test has been scheduled for June 21.
“Twenty-two lakh children have gone through immense mental anguish. Understanding that anguish and taking responsibility, I am saying this today, we had to take some tough decisions,” Pradhan said.
The minister asserted that the government did not want any deserving student to lose a medical seat because of what he termed the “conspiracy” of an “examination mafia” operating within the education system.
“We did not want even a single student to be deprived of their rightful seat because of the conspiracy of those involved in irregularities in the education system and the examination mafia,” he said.
Also read: CJP seeks Pradhan’s resignation over NEET-UG 2026 paper leak row
Pradhan acknowledged criticism over the handling of the examination controversy but said the Centre was willing to face scrutiny and undertake systemic reforms rather than ignore the problem.
“We are facing criticism and challenges, and I accept that. But it is our responsibility to set the system right. It is not our duty to shut our eyes and turn away from the problem,” he said.
The minister stressed that the government’s immediate focus was to restore confidence among students and parents by ensuring the re-examination is conducted without any lapses.
“For the examination scheduled on June 21, it is our responsibility to ensure that it is 100 per cent error-free,” he added.
The NEET-UG controversy has sparked nationwide concern among students and parents, with allegations of paper leaks and exam malpractices triggering protests and demands for accountability. The issue has also intensified scrutiny of the examination process managed by the NTA.
Authorities have said multiple agencies are working to identify those involved in the alleged irregularities and dismantle organised cheating networks linked to competitive examinations.
The June 21 re-test is expected to involve enhanced security arrangements and stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent any recurrence of malpractice.
Follow us
