NEET-UG 2026 re-exam on June 21, test to shift to computer-based mode from 2027: Education minister Dharmendra PradhanNew Delhi: NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will be held on June 21 while the next round of NEET-UG, beginning 2027, will be a computer-based test (CBT), Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday, assuring course corrections, days after the cancellation of the May 3 medical entrance exam.Plans are afoot to hold the 2027 exam in CBT mode over 10 days and 20 sessions, with normalisation cycles for the test format, ET has gathered. This decision was taken following meetings between the health and education ministries over the last two days. The former has so far been opposed to a CBT shift, citing the digital divide and need for a single day exam to check leaks.Also read: NEET UG 2026 new exam date announced: NTA to conduct re-examination on June 21 after paper leak row"CBT (computer-based test) mode of exam is comparatively better than OMR. It is a bit protected. Cybercrime has become a big world in itself and there are challenges there too but we have to trust the system of our country," Pradhan said.Pradhan held a high-level meet with NTA DG, higher education secretary and other senior officials on Thursday night to review plans for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test. He said while most recommendations of the expert panel of 2024 on exam reforms had been implemented, there was a 'breach' which necessitated an exam cancellation. He also junked allegations around the 2025 NEET-UG and appealed against rumour mongering."We are not hiding anything...we acted in students' interests. We did not want any mafia conspiracy or money power to snatch away your seat. We did not want that to happen. That is why we had to take a tough decision. As guardians, as officials entrusted with responsibility, and as a minister, we are all deeply saddened and concerned by what has happened," he said.Also read: NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan vows strict CBI action and makes big change for next year"Our topmost priority is the future of students. I want to appeal to all students to appear for the examination without fear. The government stands with you. We will not let malpractice happen this time," he added.