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Addressing a packed press conference, the Union Minister described the move as a “zero-tolerance” stand against the education mafia while assuring lakhs of anxious students and parents that their hard work will not go in vain.

Pradhan opened his address with a clear message: the government is deeply sensitive to the sweat and sacrifices of every NEET aspirant. “We have taken this tough decision so that no deserving student loses their rightful chance because of someone else’s conspiracy,” he said, referring to the leak of the original question paper that surfaced in the guise of “guess papers” shortly after the May 3 exam.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) received a complaint through its grievance redressal system highlighting uncanny matches between market guess papers and the actual NEET question set. A swift preliminary review confirmed the leak, prompting the government to hand over the case to central agencies. The CBI is now investigating, and Pradhan made it crystal clear: “No one involved will be spared. We will take the strictest possible action against the education mafia.”

Major Reforms to Prevent Future Leaks

In a landmark shift aimed at ending the era of OMR sheets and their vulnerabilities, the minister declared that from 2027 onwards, NEET will be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. He also confirmed that every recommendation of the Radhakrishnan Committee has been strictly followed for 2025-26, yet the fresh breach has forced this unprecedented re-examination.

To ease the burden on students:

• The re-test will be 100% free; all previously paid fees will be refunded.
• Candidates will get one week to choose their preferred city again.
• Exam duration has been increased by 15 minutes (now 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM).
• Admit cards will be issued by June 14, 2026.
• The Centre will coordinate with state Chief Ministers to ensure smooth transportation for candidates on exam day.

Pradhan urged students to ignore rumours and focus on preparation. “This is not just an exam for you — it is a matter of national interest and the future of meritorious youth,” he said, adding that the government and NTA are working round-the-clock to ensure “zero errors” in the upcoming test.

The minister expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but stressed that protecting the sanctity of the examination was non-negotiable. “We are pained by what has happened, but we had to take this hard decision for the sake of the nation and its brightest minds,” he noted.

With the re-exam just over a month away, the ball is now in the students’ court — and the government has promised to stand firmly behind them.