The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG is set for a significant change beginning next year. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that the exam will transition to a computer-based online mode, replacing the long-standing pen-and-paper OMR format.
The move comes after the NEET UG 2026 controversy, where allegations of paper leaks and exam irregularities led to the cancellation of the May 3 examination. Following the incident, the government ordered a re-examination and transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Speaking to the media, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that moving NEET UG to a computer-based test format would help tackle the “root issue” linked to the recent controversy. He further confirmed that OMR answer sheets will no longer be used from the next academic session.
According to reports, the government considers the online examination system a measure to improve transparency, reduce the possibility of paper leaks, and strengthen the security of the overall examination process.
The NTA has announced that the NEET UG 2026 re-exam will be conducted on June 21, with admit cards to be released on June 14.
Officials have clarified that students will not have to register again for the examination. No additional fee will be charged, and previously submitted candidature details, along with selected exam centres, will remain unchanged.
For lakhs of NEET aspirants, the shift to an online exam format marks a major change in how the examination will be conducted. Apart from their academic preparation, students may also need to get accustomed to computer-based testing and digital exam settings.
Until now, NEET has traditionally been conducted offline using OMR sheets at centres across the country. With the new online system expected to be introduced, aspirants may need to revise their preparation approach by practising computer-based mock exams and strengthening their time management skills for on-screen tests.
