Ranit Kr. Singh , New Delhi - The Indian government decided to cancel the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) and order a re-test after finding that some assessments were compromised by irregularities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday. Speaking at the Jagran Bharat Education Conclave 2026, Pradhan stated that authorities had to take "tough decisions" to ensure that the "examination mafia" did not deprive even a single deserving student of their rightful medical seat. 

The National Testing Agency recently cancelled the May 3 medical entrance exam amid allegations of a paper leak, a matter currently being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Acknowledging that around 22 lakh students have endured immense mental anguish due to the controversy, Pradhan accepted the responsibility and criticism facing the government over its handling of the issue. He asserted that it is the government's duty to face the challenge and set the system right rather than turning away from the problem.

Looking forward, the education minister committed to fixing the system and ensuring a smoother, completely secure examination process. He emphasized that the government is fully committed to ensuring that the upcoming NEET-UG re-test, which is officially scheduled to be held on June 21, remains 100 per cent error-free.