The National Testing Agency (NTA) presented a nuanced defense of its handling of the NEET-UG 2026 controversy before Parliament's Standing Committee on Education. NTA Chief Abhishek Singh and Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi asserted that while malpractices and irregularities were detected, they did not constitute a complete 'paper leak,' only that 'certain questions came out.'
NEET-UG Controversy and Cancellation
The NEET-UG 2026 examination, initially conducted on May 3, was cancelled on May 12 following widespread allegations that questions circulating prior to the test matched portions of the actual paper. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since launched an investigation, leading to multiple arrests across various states. Those detained include alleged intermediaries, teachers, examination centre staff, and individuals accused of facilitating these irregularities.
NTA officials told the parliamentary panel that the decision to cancel the exam was consistent with their zero-tolerance policy. They argued that even a limited compromise of questions is sufficient to undermine public confidence in the examination process, thus warranting cancellation. The officials reiterated their stance that no full paper leak occurred, even while acknowledging instances of malpractice that triggered the May 12 cancellation.
Government's Stance and Re-examination Details
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had previously offered a somewhat more direct acknowledgment of the issue. Speaking on May 15, Pradhan acknowledged a "breach in the chain of command" and stated that the government was taking responsibility for the controversy. This language sits in some tension with the NTA's insistence that a full paper leak did not occur.
The re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 is scheduled for June 21, 2026, from 2 pm to 5:15 pm. The NTA has confirmed that candidates will not be required to re-register or pay additional fees; existing registrations remain valid. Fresh admit cards will be issued, and students have been given the option to update their exam city preferences. Authorities have stated that additional safeguards and stricter monitoring mechanisms will be implemented for the re-examination, though specific details have not yet been publicly disclosed.