Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET UG) will transition to a computer-based test (CBT) format starting next year. The announcement came amid ongoing controversy over a paper leak and alleged irregularities in the examination.
Zero Tolerance for Malpractices
Addressing the issue, Pradhan stated, "We have zero tolerance towards malpractices." He explained that the root cause of the leak was the OMR-based system, prompting the shift to CBT. "From next year, the exam will be conducted in CBT mode," he confirmed.
Details of the Paper Leak
The minister revealed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) received a complaint shortly after the exam on May 3. By May 7, it was reported that some questions in a "guess paper" matched those in the actual exam. The Higher Education Department immediately initiated an inquiry and handed it over to a government agency. By May 12, authorities confirmed that the questions had indeed been leaked.
Pradhan added, "We did not want any deserving student to be deprived of their rights due to fraudulent candidates or the education mafia." He acknowledged that the decision to hold a re-examination elicited mixed opinions but emphasized the government's responsibility to find a resolution.
CBI Investigation Underway
The minister stated that the investigation has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has initiated immediate action. "This is a long fight against the examination mafia," he said, warning against misinformation spread on social media.
Pradhan expressed sadness over the situation but stressed the need for a difficult decision in the nation's interest. "We will not let malpractices happen this time," he asserted.
Re-examination Scheduled
Earlier in the day, the NTA announced that the NEET UG re-examination will be conducted on Sunday, June 21. This decision follows widespread criticism over alleged lapses in exam conduct and complaint handling.
The TOI News Desk, a dedicated team of journalists, continues to deliver comprehensive updates on this evolving story.
