Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has acknowledged a "breach in the command chain" within the NEET-UG 2026 examination process, stating that the government takes full responsibility for the administrative failure following allegations of a widespread question paper leak.
The admission comes as the National Testing Agency (NTA) officially canceled the May 3 national medical entrance exam amid mounting evidence that portions of the question paper were leaked prior to the test, forcing authorities to issue an immediate order for a comprehensive re-examination to restore the integrity of the selection processy.
Addressing a press conference, Pradhan stated that despite implementing recommendations made by the high-level Radhakrishnan Committee formed after the 2024 NEET controversy, another breach had occurred. He said the government would identify shortcomings in the NTA system and ensure accountability.
The minister emphasised during the press conference that the government will address and rectify any operational deficiencies within the agency, explicitly stating that "the NTA will be responsible" for its shortcomings. He further disclosed that certain irregularities have already "come to notice" and assured the public that a thorough, comprehensive investigation is underway to probe every aspect of the examination breach.
The re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 has been scheduled for June 21, with authorities assuring students that no fresh registration or additional fees would be required. Pradhan said, "CBI will investigate the matter thoroughly. CBI is a trustworthy agency, and it will probe the matter smoothly."
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Investigations into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak have revealed that leaked “guess papers” matching several actual questions were circulated days before the examination through organised networks operating across multiple states. Investigators are examining allegations that students were charged large sums of money for access to the leaked material. The controversy has triggered protests by students and opposition groups demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
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