Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) will transition to a computer-based exam format starting next year. This decision, made to address the urgency of online examinations, aims to replace the current paper-based system. Pradhan’s statement follows concerns over NEET paper leaks and subsequent exam cancellations, causing distress among students regarding the conduct of competitive exams by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Pradhan highlighted the implementation of recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee while acknowledging a breakdown in the command chain. He assured that corrective measures are being implemented to reinforce the examination system. Referring to the ongoing battle against the education mafia in the country, he emphasized the Central Bureau of Investigation’s investigation into the breach to identify those responsible for compromising the supposedly secure system.
In a bid to reassure students and address their concerns, Pradhan affirmed the government’s commitment to preventing malpractices in the upcoming exams. The NTA is scheduled to conduct the NEET re-examinations on June 21, with admit cards set to be issued by June 14. Candidates will have the opportunity to select their preferred exam city during a one-week window. Additionally, students will receive an extra 15 minutes to complete the OMR sheet details during the exam.
Pradhan also disclosed two key decisions by the NTA regarding the NEET exam cancellation. Firstly, candidates will be refunded the examination fees, and secondly, no additional charges will be levied for the re-examination process.
