Karnataka Demands NEET-UG Scrapping from 2026 After Leak Row

The Karnataka government has urged the Centre to scrap the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) from 2026 and restore the authority of states to conduct their own entrance examinations for medical admissions.

The demand comes amid the growing controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, which has triggered nationwide debate over the transparency and credibility of centralized entrance examinations. According to reports, Karnataka has requested the Union government to allow states to resume Common Entrance Test (CET)-based admissions for MBBS and other medical courses.

Karnataka Raises Concerns Over NEET Examination System

State officials reportedly argued that repeated controversies surrounding NEET have negatively affected students and raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process.

The Karnataka government stated that state-level entrance examinations would provide a more transparent, regionally balanced, and merit-based admission system for medical aspirants. Officials also highlighted that state CET systems had functioned effectively before NEET was introduced as a centralized national examination.The latest demand follows allegations of a large-scale paper leak in the NEET UG 2026 examination, after which the National Testing Agency announced a re-examination for affected candidates.

NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam Scheduled for June 21

The NTA recently confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 re-exam will be conducted on June 21, 2026 after the original examination was cancelled due to paper leak allegations.

The controversy escalated after reports suggested that leaked “guess papers” circulating before the examination allegedly matched several questions from the actual exam paper. Multiple investigations are currently underway in connection with the case. Student groups and education experts have also demanded stronger security systems and reforms in the management of national-level entrance examinations.

Why Karnataka Wants State CET Exams Back?

According to Karnataka officials, restoring state-level CET examinations would help:

• Reduce dependence on a single national examination
• Improve transparency in admissions
• Address regional educational differences
• Lower pressure on students
• Prevent large-scale national exam disruptions

The state believes decentralized examination systems could offer better administrative control and accountability.

Political Debate Intensifies Over NEET Future

The NEET paper leak controversy has intensified political debate across the country. Several opposition leaders and education activists have criticized the handling of the examination process and questioned the effectiveness of centralized testing systems.

Meanwhile, supporters of NEET argue that the examination ensures uniform admission. standards for medical colleges across India.The Union government has not yet issued an official response to Karnataka’s demand regarding the abolition of NEET-UG from 2026.

Students Await Clarity on Medical Admission Process

With lakhs of aspirants preparing for future medical entrance examinations, uncertainty surrounding NEET reforms continues to remain a major concern among students and parents. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NTA NEET Website for the latest updates regarding NEET UG 2026, re-examination schedules, and official notifications.