NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Free of Cost: Dharmendra Pradhan Announces CBT Mode

The Government of India has announced a series of major reforms for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) following the paper leak controversy surrounding the 2026 examination. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed during a press conference that the NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 will now be conducted free of cost for all affected candidates.

The NEET UG 2026 re-test is scheduled to be held on June 21, 2026. Along with the revised examination plan, the minister also announced several student-centric measures including fee refunds, additional exam time, city preference selection, and the transition of NEET UG into a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from 2027 onwards.

NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Revised Timing

The Education Minister announced that candidates appearing for the NEET UG re-exam will be given an additional 15 minutes to complete the paper. Earlier, the exam duration was scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The revised timing will now be:

The additional time has been introduced to reduce pressure on candidates and ensure smoother examination conduct.

NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam To Be Conducted Free Of Cost

In a major relief for aspirants, the government announced that students will receive a full refund of their examination fees. The upcoming NEET re-test will also be conducted without charging any additional fee from candidates. Speaking at the press conference, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the government remains committed to protecting students’ interests and ensuring transparency in the examination process.

NEET UG To Shift To CBT Mode From 2027

One of the biggest announcements made during the briefing was the transition of NEET UG to Computer-Based Test mode starting from 2027. The move comes after widespread concerns regarding paper leak incidents and examination security. According to the Education Ministry, the CBT format is expected to improve transparency, reduce malpractice, and strengthen exam administration through advanced technology systems.

Students Can Choose Preferred Exam City

To make the process more convenient for candidates, the National Testing Agency will allow students to select their preferred examination city one week before the re-exam. The government has also directed state administrations to provide transportation and logistical assistance to students wherever possible, keeping weather conditions and accessibility issues in mind.

Government Orders Detailed Probe Into Paper Leak

Addressing concerns over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the minister confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into the breach.

Pradhan stated that complaints regarding a “guess paper” emerged shortly after the May 3 examination. Following verification by central agencies, authorities confirmed that the paper leak had indeed occurred. The minister reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” policy toward examination malpractice and assured strict action against those responsible for compromising the integrity of the national-level entrance exam.

Key Highlights of NEET UG Re-Exam 2026

Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official NTA NEET portal for the latest announcements regarding admit cards, exam centres, and revised guidelines.