KPCC president B K Hariprasad on Tuesday expressed deep regret over the plight of Karnataka students who missed the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. He reiterated his support for the state's Common Entrance Test (CET) system as a more reliable and student-friendly alternative.
Hariprasad's Statement on NEET-UG Re-test
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Hariprasad said, "It is unfortunate that many students from Karnataka could not appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test due to administrative lapses. The state government must ensure that no student suffers because of such failures." He emphasized that the CET system, which is conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), has been effective in providing fair opportunities to local students.
Background of NEET-UG 2026 Re-test
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had announced a re-test for NEET-UG 2026 after irregularities were reported in the original examination held in May 2026. However, several students in Karnataka claimed they did not receive adequate notice or faced logistical issues, leading to their absence. According to data from the Karnataka Department of Medical Education, at least 2,300 students were affected across the state.
Call for CET System
Hariprasad batted for the Karnataka CET system, arguing that it is more transparent and less prone to errors. "The CET has been a robust mechanism for admissions to medical and engineering colleges in Karnataka. It ensures that deserving students get a fair chance without the stress of national-level exams," he said. The KPCC chief also urged the state government to consider increasing the weightage of CET scores in admissions to reduce dependence on NEET.
Political Reactions
The Congress party has consistently criticized the central government's handling of NEET examinations. State Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa (Congress) earlier accused the NTA of negligence and demanded a probe into the re-test fiasco. In contrast, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel defended the NTA, stating that the re-test was conducted smoothly in most states and that Karnataka's issues were exaggerated.
Impact on Students
Medical aspirants like Priya R., a student from Mysuru, expressed disappointment: "I had prepared for months, but the re-test center was 100 km away, and I couldn't reach on time. This has ruined my chances." The Karnataka government has promised to take up the matter with the central government and explore options for affected students, including possible special counseling.
