NEET-UG Re-Exam Scheduled for June 21 Following Paper Leak Scandal

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the re-examination for the 2026 undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will take place on June 21. This decision comes after the cancellation of the original test held on May 3, which was marred by serious allegations of a paper leak.

Over 22 lakh candidates had registered for the May 3 NEET-UG, which is a crucial entrance exam for students seeking admission to medical colleges across India. However, the examination was called off when the Rajasthan Special Operations Group initiated an investigation into claims that a ‘guess paper’ had circulated prior to the test. This guess paper reportedly contained numerous questions that closely mirrored those on the actual exam.

According to reports from the Rajasthan Police, the guess paper featured approximately 410 questions, with around 120 of them aligning with the questions in the chemistry section of the NEET-UG. In response to the unfolding situation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested at least seven individuals and conducted raids at multiple locations nationwide. Among those arrested, two individuals were taken into custody just a day earlier.

The CBI’s inquiry into the matter was prompted by a complaint from the Union Ministry of Education, which led to the filing of a first information report (FIR). Investigators have invoked several legal provisions, including those related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Act of 2024.

The NEET-UG serves as a pivotal assessment for aspiring medical students, and its integrity is of utmost importance. The recent allegations of malpractice have raised concerns about the credibility of entrance examinations in India, prompting calls for stricter measures to prevent future occurrences. As the new exam date approaches, students and educators alike are hopeful that the situation will be resolved swiftly and fairly, ensuring that the sanctity of the examination process is upheld.

Source: scroll.in