Medical Study India | Trusted Guidance for Medical Aspirants
Medical Study India | Trusted Guidance for Medical Aspirants
More than 22 lakh aspirants awaiting the NEET UG 2026 re-examination are expected to receive their city intimation slips and admit cards shortly, as the National Testing Agency prepares for the June 21 re-test. The examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode across the country in 13 languages following the cancellation of the May 3 exam amid a major paper leak controversy. Candidates will be able to download the city intimation slip from the official NTA portal using their application number and password to check their allotted examination city and make travel arrangements in advance, according to Careers360.
The re-exam comes as investigations into the alleged paper leak continue, with the Central Bureau of Investigation having arrested 13 people so far. The controversy erupted after investigators found a “guess paper” that reportedly matched a significant portion of the actual NEET question paper, prompting nationwide concern over exam integrity.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has declined to direct that the June 21 re-test be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode, citing practical challenges and the ongoing preparations for the examination. The NTA has also extended the deadline for candidates of the cancelled exam to submit bank account details for fee refunds until June 22
The Supreme Court has ordered that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode. The apex court dismissed a petition filed by Rajya Sabha MP Sudhakar Singh, which sought to conduct the country’s largest undergraduate medical entrance exam in a computer-based format. This latest decision clears the way for the scheduled June 21 re-exam to be held offline, with a duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes. A bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that implementing a major change at this stage, when the exam is just a few weeks away, would not be possible
The apex court observed that the conducting body, the National Testing Agency (NTA), is already facing several challenges in executing entrance exams. Shifting NEET UG 2026 online at this juncture would create immense difficulties for both officials and students. The court noted that shifting to online mode on short notice would be unfair for students living in far-flung and rural areas. The court ruled that the NEET re-exam will follow the traditional exam pattern used over the years.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has already directed exam authorities to shift the NEET entrance exam online starting next year. The NTA previously informed the Supreme Court of this issue. In an official affidavit, the NTA stated that it will be fully equipped to conduct the MBBS entrance exam in CBT mode from 2027 onwards, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and preparations will be securely in place.
The decision follows widespread allegations of a paper leak and the subsequent arrest of several individuals, which ultimately forced the NTA to cancel the NEET exam conducted on May 3 across India and abroad. Within days of the test, leaked question papers began circulating on social media. After taking strict note that these leaked model question papers directly matched the actual exam, the central government decided to cancel the test and announce a fresh date for the re-examination.
The NEET MDS Result 2026 has been announced, along with the 50% All India Quota merit list. Candidates can check their results and download the merit list
The NEET MDS Result 2026 has officially been declared by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). This announcement includes the release of the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) merit list, which is now available for candidates to download from the official NBE website at natboard.edu.in. This merit list contains crucial information such as the qualifying status, NEET MDS rank, AIQ rank, and AIQ category rank for all qualified students.
The NEET MDS exam took place on May 2, 2026, and candidates who participated in this postgraduate dental entrance test can now check their scores online. The results are exclusively accessible through the NBE website, ensuring that all candidates have a straightforward method to verify their performance.
Students can follow these simple steps to download their NEET MDS 2026 results:
Individual scorecards for the NEET MDS 2026 examination will be made available on June 10, 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards by logging into the candidate login page on the NBE website and entering the required details. Those who achieve scores above the cutoff will be eligible to participate in the MCC NEET MDS counselling process.
The NEET MDS 50% AIQ merit list for 2026 includes vital information for candidates:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Roll Number | Unique identifier for each candidate. |
| Application ID | Identification number assigned during application. |
| Category | Candidate's category (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). |
| PwBD Status | Status regarding Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. |
| NEET MDS Rank | Overall rank based on performance in the exam. |
| AIQ Rank | Rank specific to the All India Quota. |
| AIQ Category Rank | Category-wise rank within the AIQ. |
Students uncertain about which MDS college or specialization they can secure based on their NEET MDS rank can utilize the NEET MDS College Predictor. This tool helps predict admission chances in top dental colleges across India, providing insights into expected specializations, college options, counselling trends, and previous year cutoff data.
The Supreme Court on Monday (June 1, 2026) declined to direct the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination in a computer-based test (CBT) format instead of the existing pen-and-paper mode, observing that altering the mode of examination at this stage would pose practical difficulties. The NEET-UG 2026 examination, originally held on May 3, was cancelled nationwide on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak. Consequently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a probe, and a fresh examination has been scheduled for June 21. A Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar expressed disinclination to grant the relief sought by the petitioner and deferred consideration of the plea until July, after the court’s partial working days conclude. The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal lawmaker Sudhakar Singh seeking a range of directions concerning the conduct of the medical entrance examination.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner confined his submissions to the plea that the re-examination be conducted in CBT mode, contending that it would minimise the possibility of another paper leak. “Today I am not pressing any other prayer. It should be CBT,” he submitted.
The Bench, however, noted that similar pleas had been rejected in the past. Referring to the difficulties involved in re-conducting the examination within a short timeframe, it observed, “The kind of pressure that they have, similar matters we have dismissed.”
NEET UG 2026 latest news today highlights the parliament standing committee discussing a crucial meeting for NEET 2026 aspirants. The meeting begun at 10 AM to discuss whether the exam should continue in pen-and-paper mode or shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT). The panel will also discuss views related to NEET and the National Testing Agency (NTA). Check meeting time, agenda, and latest NEET 2026 updates here.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports is conducting an important meeting today, June 1, to discuss several issues related to National Eligibility cum Entrance Test and the functioning of the National Testing Agency. The meeting is crucial for students, parents, educators, and policymakers, as concerns regarding examination security, transparency, and paper leak will be discussed during this meeting.
According to the official notification, the committee meeting commenced at 10:00 AM. A discussion on whether NEET UG should continue in traditional pen-and-paper format or shift to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) mode will be held at 11:00 AM. Several stakeholders have highlighted that conducting NEET UG in CBT mode may help reduce the risk of paper leaks and improve exam security. However, many of them believe that a complete shift to online testing could create a challenge for the rural and underserved areas. The committee will also review broader issues related to NEET and the role of National Testing Agency.
The NEET 2026 meeting will be conducted for following areas:
The discussing around NEET 2026 exam has become necessary following paper leak controversy and exam security. Supporters of CBT argue that:
Meanwhile, supporters of pen-and-paper exams believe that:
The Delhi government has announced complimentary travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses for candidates appearing in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. The decision is aimed at easing transportation challenges and ensuring that students can reach their examination centres without added stress.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that all eligible candidates will be allowed to travel free of charge on DTC buses upon presenting their NEET UG 2026 re-test admit cards. The move comes in response to concerns surrounding the re-examination process, which was necessitated following the NEET paper leak controversy.
The government expects the initiative to benefit thousands of aspirants across the national capital by reducing travel-related difficulties on the day of the examination. Officials have also urged candidates to plan their journeys in advance, arrive at their designated centres on time, and adhere to all examination protocols.
The NEET UG 2026 re-test has attracted significant national attention after allegations of a question paper leak prompted legal scrutiny and administrative intervention. In light of these developments, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has reportedly strengthened security and monitoring measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process
Deep inside the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting operation is a highly secured premises in New Delhi that was not supposed to be breached. It’s effectively hermetically sealed: no phones, no laptops, no devices, no internet, air-gapped computers, logs tracking every document, mandatory shredding of all notes. It was designed, after the NEET leak of 2024, to be the last word in securing the medical entrance test.
The people at the centre of the NEET-UG 2026 leak investigation were trusted insiders embedded in the most protected phase of the examination process. And at least one of those arrested had worked on last year’s NEET paper, too.
That the leak happened despite this has rattled the Government.
Also Read | From experts to accused: Prominent Pune faces in NEET-UG paper leak
The CBI has arrested 13 people so far, including paper translators, subject experts and intermediaries accused of circulating sections of the question paper before the May 3 exam, taken by over 20 lakh students. Interviews with over a dozen officials, NTA insiders and experts associated with NEET-UG 2024, 2025 and 2026 by The Indian Express reveal there’s a broad internal consensus on an institutional failure that created conditions for the leak
The people at the centre of the NEET-UG 2026 leak investigation were trusted insiders embedded in the most protected phase of the examination process. (File Photo)
Deep inside the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting operation is a highly secured premises in New Delhi that was not supposed to be breached. It’s effectively hermetically sealed: no phones, no laptops, no devices, no internet, air-gapped computers, logs tracking every document, mandatory shredding of all notes. It was designed, after the NEET leak of 2024, to be the last word in securing the medical entrance test.
The people at the centre of the NEET-UG 2026 leak investigation were trusted insiders embedded in the most protected phase of the examination process. And at least one of those arrested had worked on last year’s NEET paper, too.
That the leak happened despite this has rattled the Government.
Also Read | From experts to accused: Prominent Pune faces in NEET-UG paper leak
The CBI has arrested 13 people so far, including paper translators, subject experts and intermediaries accused of circulating sections of the question paper before the May 3 exam, taken by over 20 lakh students. Interviews with over a dozen officials, NTA insiders and experts associated with NEET-UG 2024, 2025 and 2026 by The Indian Express reveal there’s a broad internal consensus on an institutional failure that created conditions for the leak.
One, the security framework built after the 2024 controversy, known internally as “confidential operations” or CONOPs, was not consistently enforced in 2026. And the person who had built and overseen that framework was gone at the wrong moment, leaving a leadership vacuum in the system during the most sensitive phase of exam preparation.
Also Read | Exclusive | What teacher who first flagged NEET leak wrote in his complaint
“We are missing the larger issue,” said one official, who did not wish to be identified. “If the confidential operations protocols were functioning the way they were supposed to, it would have been extremely difficult for anybody to access, retain and circulate complete sections of the paper.”
The Centre seems to be pulling out all the stops to ensure that the NEET-UG re-test passes off without any leaks and lapses. With the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) now directly monitoring the exam process, the Education Ministry is considering an unprecedented step - roping in the defence forces for logistics and transportation of question papers. It raises a troubling question. Has conducting a fair exam become such a daunting challenge in the country?
The development comes after the May 3 medical entrance exam was cancelled following a paper leak, throwing the future of 23 lakh students in limbo and triggering massive protests. The re-test will be held on June 21. At the centre of all the fire is the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts most of the major central exams, including the NEET. A probe so far has revealed multiple points of leakage in the journey of the NEET question paper from the printing press to the exam centres. It is to plug this gap that the defence forces might be roped in
The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting between Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, according to a report in PTI. Senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officers were also present
As per the report, the IAF will be responsible for transporting the NEET-UG question papers from the printing press to exam destinations across the country. Moreover, considering the unpredictable weather in June due to rain, the government believes entrusting the transportation of these sensitive documents to the IAF would be the safest option.
Part of the problem lies in the manner in which NEET is conducted. Unlike JEE, which is computer-based, NEET is a pen-and-paper exam. So far, the question papers have been transported through the postal service. It involved multiple transfers and officials. In simple terms, human intervention.
Experts feel the government's move to involve the defence forces indicates deep mistrust of the civilian machinery, which involves NTA officials, the police and educational institutions. The probe into the May 3 leak has indicated that postal transportation could be among the vulnerable points.
The defence forces are meant for national security and border protection. The fact that they now have to handle exam papers shows how police and other agencies have failed to rein in paper leak gangs.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the NEET UG 2026 re examination process and the paper leak case to ensure that no gaps remain in the examination system, the Centre informed the Supreme Court today.
The submission came during the hearing on multiple petitions related to the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, including a plea seeking replacement or restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) with a more independent and stronger body to conduct medical entrance exams.
Expressing serious concern over the issue, a division bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe stressed the need for accountability in such cases. PTI reported that the Bench said it was "actually very traumatic" not only for the students but for their families as well if something like this happened.
"We should not disappoint our youngsters," the bench said while hearing the pleas.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the government is seriously concerned about the concerns of the youths, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally supervising the situation so that there is no lacunae.
"The real problem won't stop till actual accountability arises,” the bench observed.
"It is actually very traumatic if something like this happens, not just for the students but also for their families and everybody," the bench said, adding, "They invest so much emotion."
Mehta told the bench that some new mechanisms have been put in place for the NEET-UG re-test scheduled for June 21.
Medical Dialogues recently reported that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court today that it has introduced major reforms to improve the security and transparency of the exam process. In an affidavit filed before the division bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, the NTA said it remains committed to conducting examinations in a fair and transparent manner. The agency informed the court that it has carried out wide-ranging structural and security changes after serious concerns were raised over alleged irregularities in NEET UG 2026.
The matter was heard by the Supreme Court in connection with petitions filed by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the United Doctors Front (UDF). The petition raised serious concerns over the functioning and role of the NTA. It further sought implementation of the recommendations of the high-powered committee headed by Prof. K. Radhakrishnan, and called for the creation of a new examination body by replacing NTA through an Act of Parliament.
As per latest TOI media report, regarding the pending and ongoing demand for Computer-Based Test (CBT) in NEET examinations, the NTA has informed the Supreme Court that the Higher Public Service Commission (HPSC) will hold another meeting after NEET-UG 2026. In consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it will decide whether future NEET exams should be conducted in CBT mode or continue in the current pen-and-paper format.
As part of internal reforms, the NTA said in its affidavit that it has created 16 senior-level posts, including Director and Joint Director roles within the organization.
It also said that two Joint Secretary-rank officers have been appointed as Additional Director Generals to oversee technology operations and examination security, while a Secretary-level officer took charge as Director General of the NTA in March 2026.
The agency added that experts from top institutions such as IITs, UGC, CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and IGNOU have been included to strengthen exam planning and security systems.
Previously on May 25, the Supreme court issued notices to the NTA and the Ministry of Education after observing that the agency responsible for conducting the country's biggest entrance examinations appears to have failed to learn from past controversies. On this, the division bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe expressed concern over the situation despite previous judicial intervention and orally remarked, "It's sad that they have not learnt their lesson."
On May 12, the NTA cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET, held on May 3 for medical admissions amid allegations of a paper leak. A re-examination has been scheduled for June 21. The paper leak allegations are under investigation by the CBI.
To recall, after the questions of NEET-UG were allegedly leaked in 2024, the top court had refused to cancel the test but passed various directions aimed at tackling paper leaks and also a criterion for cancelling public exams.
New Delhi: With NEET-UG re-test scheduled for next month after the May 3-exam was cancelled following a paper leak, the central government is considering bringing in the defence forces to manage logistics and transportation.
Government sources told ThePrint Thursday a meeting was held at the residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the issue.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia were among those to attend the meeting alongside officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Sources said the discussions revolved around deploying the IAF for logistics and transport of the question papers from the printing press to destinations across the country. Until now, the question papers were transported through the postal service, which involved multiple transfers and officials.
It was not immediately clear that the new process, if adopted, would be limited to the re-test or whether it would be rolled out as the general norm for future NEET exams.
Sources said no decision has been taken as yet and the Prime Minister’s Office will be involved, given the criticism the government is facing over the leak and the Opposition’s onslaught on the issue.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the medical entrance exam, had announced that it would adopt a “zero-trust, always inspect” policy towards the re-test.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 was conducted on 3 May, but was scrapped after NTA got information that parts of the question paper had been leaked days earlier.
The re-test will be held on 21 June.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) this week arrested a Latur-based paediatrician and a Physics tutor at a Pune coaching institute, taking the number of suspect in the paper leak case to 13.
CBI took over the probe from the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), which had initially found out that a family from Sikar had purchased the question papers, which ended up reaching students in Maharashtra’s Latur and Pune