Today, June 21, 2026, over 22 lakh medical aspirants are appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination across 5,440 centers in India and abroad. Following the cancellation of the May 3rd exam due to paper leak allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has deployed an unprecedented security blanket to restore the sanctity of the medical entrance process.  


Neet-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Massive Security Deployment as 22 Lakh Students Face Crucial Test 

Following the NEET-UG paper leak scandal, the Government of India, as per reports, is considering deploying the Indian armed forces to assist in conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. If implemented, this would mark the first time India's military has been involved in the logistics of a national entrance test. The proposal comes as the government faces mounting pressure to restore confidence in the medical entrance examination after the original test was scrapped over allegations of a widespread paper leak.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-2026-paper-controversy-cbi-identifies-actual-source-of-chemistry-biology-and-physics-questions-leak-2-more-arrested-1779864263841">NEET-UG 2026 paper controversy: CBI identifies 'actual source' of questions leak; 2 more arrested</a><h2>NEET re-examination to include Army's help?</h2>More than 22 lakh students are expected to appear for the re-examination on June 21. Reports suggest that the possibility of military involvement was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, senior government officials, National Testing Agency (NTA) representatives and education ministry officials also attended the review.Citing officials familiar with the discussions, Hindustan Times reported that the meeting examined every stage of the examination process, from question paper preparation and printing to transportation, storage and delivery at examination centres.A senior NTA official told the publication that the armed forces could be brought in primarily for logistical support and emergency operations, rather than for any role in conducting the examination itself."We are exploring all possible options to ensure there is no scope for error. The Army can assist with logistics while the Air Force may help transport question papers in case of weather-related disruptions such as heavy rain or storms," the official said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/repeated-election-losses-dharmendra-pradhan-slams-raga-for-massive-tampering-allegations-takes-responsibility-for-cbse-osm-discrepancies-1779951821206">'Repeated election losses...': Dharmendra Pradhan slams RaGa for 'massive tampering' allegations; takes responsibility for CBSE OSM discrepancies</a>The official added that multiple ministries and agencies have been roped in to ensure smooth conduct of the re-test. Apart from the defence establishment, the Home Ministry, state governments, the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Information Technology Ministry, the Department of Posts, and the Ministry of External Affairs are also involved in preparations. The unprecedented step reflects the scale of concern following the cancellation of the May 3 examination.<h2>13 people arrested so far in NEET paper leak case</h2>The Central Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the alleged paper leak, has so far arrested 13 people in connection with the case. Investigators claim they have identified the source of leaked Physics, Chemistry and Biology questions that were allegedly circulated before the exam. &nbsp;

More than 22 lakh students will reappear for NEET-UG on June 21, but this time the government is considering an unprecedented measure: involving the Indian armed forces to help secure the examination process. Reports suggest that the army may help deliver question papers. All we know.

Following the NEET-UG paper leak scandal, the Government of India, as per reports, is considering deploying the Indian armed forces to assist in conducting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. If implemented, this would mark the first time India's military has been involved in the logistics of a national entrance test. The proposal comes as the government faces mounting pressure to restore confidence in the medical entrance examination after the original test was scrapped over allegations of a widespread paper leak. Also read | NEET-UG 2026 paper controversy: CBI identifies 'actual source' of questions leak; 2 more arrested NEET re-examination to include Army's help? More than 22 lakh students are expected to appear for the re-examination on June 21. Reports suggest that the possibility of military involvement was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, senior government officials, National Testing Agency (NTA) representatives and education ministry officials also attended the review. Citing officials familiar with the discussions, Hindustan Times reported that the meeting examined every stage of the examination process, from question paper preparation and printing to transportation, storage and delivery at examination centres. A senior NTA official told the publication that the armed forces could be brought in primarily for logistical support and emergency operations, rather than for any role in conducting the examination itself. "We are exploring all possible options to ensure there is no scope for error. The Army can assist with logistics while the Air Force may help transport question papers in case of weather-related disruptions such as heavy rain or storms," the official said. Also read | 'Repeated election losses...': Dharmendra Pradhan slams RaGa for 'massive tampering' allegations; takes responsibility for CBSE OSM discrepancies The official added that multiple ministries and agencies have been roped in to ensure smooth conduct of the re-test. Apart from the defence establishment, the Home Ministry, state governments, the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Information Technology Ministry, the Department of Posts, and the Ministry of External Affairs are also involved in preparations. The unprecedented step reflects the scale of concern following the cancellation of the May 3 examination. 13 people arrested so far in NEET paper leak case The Central Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the alleged paper leak, has so far arrested 13 people in connection with the case. Investigators claim they have identified the source of leaked Physics, Chemistry and Biology questions that were allegedly circulated before the exam.

More than 22 lakh students will reappear for NEET-UG on June 21, but this time the government is considering an unprecedented measure: involving the Indian armed forces to help secure the examination process. Reports suggest that the army may help deliver question papers. All we know.

NEET-UG paper leak scandal: Army may help conduct re-exam for first time, suggest reports

A Botany teacher from Pune, who was an NTA subject expert, has been arrested for leaking the NEET-UG Biology question paper, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Saturday, taking the total number of arrests to nine. The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was arrested in Delhi after the CBI questioned her. Mandhare worked for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) process following her appointment by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert, the CBI said.&nbsp;In April, Mandhare got in touch with NEET candidates through Manisha Wagmare, another accused from Pune who was arrested earlier, and gave coaching classes to select students at her house.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-if-pakistan-continues-to-harbour-terrorists-they-will-army-chief-upendra-dwivedi-issues-stern-warning-1778937070757">‘If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, they will...’: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issues stern warning</a>&nbsp;She allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks, the CBI said. Most of the questions tallied with the actual paper of NEET-UG held on May 3, the probe agency said.&nbsp;In the last 24 hours, the CBI conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones and a detailed analysis of the seized items is going on.The nine accused arrested so far in the paper leak case are from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune and Ahliyanagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-who-replaced-mohd-sinwar-and-helped-plan-oct-7-attacks-killed-says-israel-1778933840744">Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel</a>&nbsp;The CBI said its investigation has found the actual source of the leakage of Chemistry and Biology papers as well as the middlemen involved in getting in touch with students who paid lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching classes, where the questions in the NEET UG question paper were dictated and discussed.The CBI on Friday arrested PV Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer associated with the examination process on behalf of the NTA.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday granted 10 days’ custody of accused Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further interrogation in the case.&nbsp;The CBI told the court that both accused were part of a larger conspiracy involving the alleged obtaining and distribution of the leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks. Most of the questions tallied with the actual NNET-UG paper held on May 3.

A Botany teacher from Pune, who was an NTA subject expert, has been arrested for leaking the NEET-UG Biology question paper, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Saturday, taking the total number of arrests to nine. The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was arrested in Delhi after the CBI questioned her. Mandhare worked for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) process following her appointment by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert, the CBI said. In April, Mandhare got in touch with NEET candidates through Manisha Wagmare, another accused from Pune who was arrested earlier, and gave coaching classes to select students at her house. Also Read: ‘If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, they will...’: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issues stern warning She allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks, the CBI said. Most of the questions tallied with the actual paper of NEET-UG held on May 3, the probe agency said. In the last 24 hours, the CBI conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones and a detailed analysis of the seized items is going on. The nine accused arrested so far in the paper leak case are from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune and Ahliyanagar. Also Read: Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel The CBI said its investigation has found the actual source of the leakage of Chemistry and Biology papers as well as the middlemen involved in getting in touch with students who paid lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching classes, where the questions in the NEET UG question paper were dictated and discussed. The CBI on Friday arrested PV Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer associated with the examination process on behalf of the NTA. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday granted 10 days’ custody of accused Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further interrogation in the case. The CBI told the court that both accused were part of a larger conspiracy involving the alleged obtaining and distribution of the leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper. The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks. Most of the questions tallied with the actual NNET-UG paper held on May 3.

CBI arrests Pune teacher, the ‘second mastermind’ who leaked NEET-UG Biology question paper

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday (May 15) announced that starting next year, NEET-UG examinations would be held online through Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. This comes amid a massive controversy over this year's NEET paper leak. Pradhan also confirmed that the National Testing Authority (NAT) will be holding the reexamination for NEET-UG 2026 on June 21 (Sunday). The announcement comes days after the unprecedented cancellation of the May 3 exam over a paper leak scandal that shook the credibility of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and triggered nationwide outrage among more than 22 lakh aspirants.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-2026-paper-leak-when-will-re-exam-be-held-education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-chairs-high-level-meet-1778816631278">NEET-UG 2026 paper leak: When will re-exam be held? NTA announces fresh date. Check here</a><h2>Education minister confirms paper leak</h2>At a high-stakes press conference, Pradhan made a key admission that many students had feared. "Questions have gone out under the guise of guess papers," he said. That statement effectively confirmed that what initially appeared to be speculative prep material was, in fact, linked to leaked exam content. Pradhan revealed that the verification process, which started on May 8th, lasted four days before the Centre on May 12, took the decision to cancel this year's examination.<h2>June 21 re-test: What changes now</h2>Pradhan said admit cards will be issued by June 14, while students will be given one week to re-select their preferred exam city, acknowledging that many candidates may no longer be in the same locations as their original test centres.&nbsp;The exam will also be extended by 15 minutes, shifting from the earlier 2 pm to 5 pm schedule to 2 pm to 5:15 pm, allowing extra time for attendance and procedural formalities. Additionally, in a major relief measure, all previously paid fees will be refunded, and the re-exam will be conducted with zero additional fees for candidates.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-a-kerala-student-leak-neet-ug-paper-cbi-probes-money-trail-as-reports-suggest-students-paid-rs-2-5-lakh-for-access-1778741698669">Did a Kerala student leak NEET-UG paper? CBI probing money trail as reports suggest students paid Rs 2-5 lakh for access</a><h2>‘We will not let malpractice happen again’</h2>Pradhan repeatedly stressed that the government’s “topmost priority” is protecting deserving students and preventing education mafias from sabotaging futures. "Our topmost priority is the future of the students, and the government is sensitive towards their hard work and efforts. We will not let malpractice happen this time. The government is with you. We had to make a difficult decision in the interest of the nation. We are very sad," Pradhan said.<h2>NTA under pressure, but not scrapped</h2>Despite fierce criticism, Pradhan defended the NTA, insisting the issue was a systemic examination challenge rather than institutional collapse.

NEET-UG 2026 is officially getting a reset. After a scandal big enough to force cancellation of India’s largest medical entrance exam, the government has now announced a major structural shift: from next year, NEET goes fully online. All you need to know. 

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday (May 15) announced that starting next year, NEET-UG examinations would be held online through Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. This comes amid a massive controversy over this year's NEET paper leak. Pradhan also confirmed that the National Testing Authority (NAT) will be holding the reexamination for NEET-UG 2026 on June 21 (Sunday). The announcement comes days after the unprecedented cancellation of the May 3 exam over a paper leak scandal that shook the credibility of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and triggered nationwide outrage among more than 22 lakh aspirants. Also read | NEET-UG 2026 paper leak: When will re-exam be held? NTA announces fresh date. Check here Education minister confirms paper leak At a high-stakes press conference, Pradhan made a key admission that many students had feared. "Questions have gone out under the guise of guess papers," he said. That statement effectively confirmed that what initially appeared to be speculative prep material was, in fact, linked to leaked exam content. Pradhan revealed that the verification process, which started on May 8th, lasted four days before the Centre on May 12, took the decision to cancel this year's examination. June 21 re-test: What changes now Pradhan said admit cards will be issued by June 14, while students will be given one week to re-select their preferred exam city, acknowledging that many candidates may no longer be in the same locations as their original test centres. The exam will also be extended by 15 minutes, shifting from the earlier 2 pm to 5 pm schedule to 2 pm to 5:15 pm, allowing extra time for attendance and procedural formalities. Additionally, in a major relief measure, all previously paid fees will be refunded, and the re-exam will be conducted with zero additional fees for candidates. Also read | Did a Kerala student leak NEET-UG paper? CBI probing money trail as reports suggest students paid Rs 2-5 lakh for access ‘We will not let malpractice happen again’ Pradhan repeatedly stressed that the government’s “topmost priority” is protecting deserving students and preventing education mafias from sabotaging futures. "Our topmost priority is the future of the students, and the government is sensitive towards their hard work and efforts. We will not let malpractice happen this time. The government is with you. We had to make a difficult decision in the interest of the nation. We are very sad," Pradhan said. NTA under pressure, but not scrapped Despite fierce criticism, Pradhan defended the NTA, insisting the issue was a systemic examination challenge rather than institutional collapse.

NEET-UG 2026 is officially getting a reset. After a scandal big enough to force cancellation of India’s largest medical entrance exam, the government has now announced a major structural shift: from next year, NEET goes fully online. All you need to know.&nbsp;

NEET-UG exam to be fully online from next year: Dharmendra Pradhan admits ‘guess paper’ leak, unveils major overhaul

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Neet-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Massive Security Deployment as 22 Lakh Students Face Crucial Test

NEET-UG paper leak scandal: Army may help conduct re-exam for first time

CBI arrests Pune teacher, ‘second mastermind’ who leaked NEET-UG Biology paper

Edu min admits NEET ‘guess paper’ leak; announces online test from next year