Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 18 (ANI): The Tripura government has intensified preparations for the smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the upcoming NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Examination, with senior officials reviewing arrangements at both the state and district levels.
Speaking to ANI, West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Vishal Kumar said that a preparatory meeting was convened by the Higher Education Department, Government of Tripura, to ensure comprehensive planning for the national-level medical entrance examination.
The meeting was chaired by the Chief Secretary of Tripura and attended by the Special Secretary of the Higher Education Department, members of the State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC). District Level Coordination Committees (DLCCs). officials from Tripura Police, the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and other concerned stakeholders.
According to Kumar, detailed discussions were held on examination security protocols, transportation and safeguarding of confidential examination materials, deployment of personnel, logistical arrangements, inter-departmental coordination, and strict compliance with guidelines issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The discussions focused on ensuring the integrity of the examination process and preventing any lapses during the conduct of the re-examination.
"The District Administration, West Tripura, remains committed to ensuring a transparent, secure and hassle-free examination environment for all candidates through effective coordination with all concerned departments and agencies," Kumar said.
He added that the administration is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of fairness, efficiency and accountability in the conduct of public examinations.
The NEET-UG re-examination is expected to witness participation from a large number of candidates, making coordinated efforts among various departments crucial for ensuring smooth and incident-free conduct of the examination across the state.
The re-examination will be conducted on June 21, from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. The National Testing Agency (NTA) scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to a paper leak. (ANI)

Central Government on Tuesday imposed restrictions on access to messaging app Telegram in India till June 22, in view of conduct of NEET 2026 Re-Examination which is scheduled on June 21. The move comes, following recommendations by the National Testing Agency and Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. National Testing Agency (NTA) in a press release issued today, welcomed the directions issued today in respect of Telegram. The directions include:

1. A direction under Section 69 A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, restricting access to the Telegram platform in India for a defined and limited period ending 22 June 2026, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath; and 2. A direction requiring the platform to disable, in India, the message-editing feature in respect of messages already posted, for a defined period ending 30 June 2026, addressing the specific structural feature through which the platform has been used to fabricate after-the-event “paper leak” evidence in respect of national examinations.

NTA has said that both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled on 21 June 2026. NTA has said that there are channels operating openly on the Telegram platform under names such as - “PAPER LEAKED NEET”, “Re-NEET 2026”, “Private Mafia”, “REE NEET MAFIAA”, demanding sums ranging from a few thousand to several lakhs of rupees from candidates and their families, in exchange for purported access to the re-examination paper.

NTA reiterates that there is no such paper available outside the secured examination chain and the promise of any such material is a fraud. It said: "The directions issued today by MeitY have been made following references by NTA and the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, drawing attention to the structural limits of channel-by-channel action and seeking graduated platform-level compliance. The directions are a measure of last resort, taken only after intermediate remedies, including the take-down action coordinated by I4C, had been pursued and had not produced, at the platform level, the response required to protect candidates in the runup to the examination. The calibration of the directions - a narrow platform-access restriction confined to the examination window, together with a feature-specific compliance direction for the post-examination period - reflects an effort to address the public-order concern with the minimum restriction necessary"

 

NTA has named Telegram channels including "PAPER LEAKED NEET", "Re-NEET 2026", "Private Mafia", and "REE NEET MAFIAA" among groups allegedly selling fake NEET 2026 re-exam papers. According to the agency, these channels demanded amounts ranging from thousands to lakhs of rupees while falsely claiming access to the question paper. NTA has reiterated that no paper exists outside the secure examination chain and warned students against falling victim to such scams.

With the NEET UG 2026 re-examination approaching, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a strong warning against several Telegram channels that allegedly attempted to deceive students by offering fake question papers in exchange for money. The agency has identified channels operating under names such as "PAPER LEAKED NEET", "Re-NEET 2026", "Private Mafia", and "REE NEET MAFIAA", among others, which openly claimed to provide access to the re-examination paper before the test.

According to NTA, these channels targeted candidates and their families by promising confidential examination material and charging amounts ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. The agency has categorically stated that no NEET question paper is available outside the secured examination process and that every such offer is fraudulent.

Telegram Channels Under Government Scanner

NTA said the channels were operating openly on Telegram and used names specifically designed to attract anxious students searching for information about the NEET UG 2026 re-test. By presenting themselves as sources of leaked papers, these groups allegedly attempted to convince candidates that they could obtain the examination paper before the scheduled test date.

Officials noted that the names themselves advertised the purpose of these channels, making them particularly appealing to students worried about the highly competitive examination.

Candidates Asked to Pay Thousands to Lakhs

According to the agency, operators of these Telegram channels demanded money in return for supposed access to the re-examination paper. The amounts reportedly varied from a few thousand rupees to several lakh rupees depending on the promises being made.

Authorities believe that many of these schemes were designed to exploit the stress and uncertainty surrounding the NEET re-examination. Students and parents were allegedly assured that they would receive confidential question papers or examination-related material before the test.

NTA has clarified that such promises have no basis in reality and should be treated as attempts to defraud candidates.

NTA: No Question Paper Exists Outside Secure System

Reiterating its position, the examination agency stated that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination paper remains protected within a highly secure examination chain.

According to NTA, no individual, coaching institute, social media account, Telegram channel, or online group has access to the question paper before the examination. The agency emphasized that any claim suggesting otherwise is false.

Officials have urged students not to trust individuals who claim to possess examination papers, answer keys, or other confidential material before the exam.

Why Authorities Are Concerned

The issue extends beyond simple misinformation. Authorities believe such channels can cause panic among candidates while simultaneously generating significant financial gains for fraudsters.

By creating the impression that question papers have been leaked, these groups may pressure students into making payments out of fear that others will gain an unfair advantage. Education officials say this tactic has become increasingly common during major competitive examinations.

The latest warning forms part of a broader effort to combat examination-related cybercrime and maintain public confidence in the testing process.

Government Tightens Action Against Exam Fraud

The warning comes amid intensified monitoring of online platforms ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21.

Government agencies have been tracking suspicious activities linked to fake paper leak claims and examination scams. Authorities have repeatedly advised students to rely only on official notifications issued by NTA and avoid information circulating through unverified social media channels.

Advice for NEET Aspirants

Candidates should remain cautious and follow a few basic precautions:

• Do not pay money for purported question papers.

• Ignore social media posts claiming access to leaked papers.

• Verify all exam-related information through official NTA channels.

• Report suspicious groups or individuals to cybercrime authorities.

• Focus on preparation rather than rumours circulating online.

The agency has once again reassured candidates that the integrity of the examination remains intact and that no authentic NEET question paper is available outside the official system.

While the counselling process moves ahead for students from most streams, those seeking admissions in medical streams continue to face uncertainty over the delayed NEET process

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on Sunday (June 14) released verification slips for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET), for students who had registered for the counselling process. While the procedure was made available for students from most streams, medical students who had appeared for the CET were left stranded and frustrated, due to the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), earlier this year. 

When the Under Graduate Common Entrance Test (UGCET) results were announced back on June 6, KEA co-chairman Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil had acknowledged the delay in counselling for medical students. “As you all know, the NEET exam will be reconducted. Because of the delay, we had to delay the CET counselling [for Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) and Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) applicants] by a little bit. The medical students will not face any trouble,” he had said.

The top 10 UGCET rankholders applying for medical streams are divided in conviction; while some remain vociferous about their misgivings and apprehensions, others are unwilling to let their frustrations get the better of them.

Suchita M, who had come joint-second from the medical stream with 99.44%, could not help but express her disdain. “I had been preparing [primarily] for NEET. My preparation for over two years was NEET-oriented, and I appeared for UGCET incidentally. There’s nothing we can do in a system like this; I don’t care about it anymore,” she said. 

It is unclear whether it is the passage of time since the cancellation on May 12 of the first NEET examination (held on May 3) that has softened the blow on the present, or it is simply the act of inevitable acceptance, that is behind the disillusioned perseverance exhibited by most of the medical rankholders in the face of the present uncertainty. 

“I don’t feel too much disappointment regarding this; we [NEET applicants] are in this together.We all feel a sense of unity because all of our counselling has been delayed, and the issue has happened for each and everyone of us. My plan for the future is to get into a good medical college, preferably a national one,” said Amulya S, a joint-first rankholder with a 100% score. Nayana Gopi, who also came first with a 100% score, said, “Honestly, there was some frustration at first; I felt that everyone was moving ahead with their lives and goals and I was stuck. [Right now] I am focusing on what is in my control: I revise concepts daily, make a study plan everyday, review backup options and talk to seniors about college options.”

For many, not putting all their eggs in one basket has been a source of pressure relief. “I’m just disappointed, not helpless. There was no proper conducting of the examination; I want to become a doctor, but I have also sat for other examinations,” said Johann Job, who came joint-second with Suchita M (99.44%). Ram Nikhil Puvvadi, who came ninth with 98.89%, said that this was “not a problem” since he would be pursuing computer science (Puvvadi had an All India Rank (AIR) of 74 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2026)

National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has made the individual scorecards for the Master of Dental Surgery entrance exam available online. Candidates who qualified can download their official performance records from the web portal to use in upcoming state and central counselling rounds.

NEET MDS 2026 scorecard is officially available for download at natboard.edu.in, as the examining body has activated the digital access link. Thousands of dental graduates who took the national entrance exam can now log in to securely retrieve their individual performance records. This official document is mandatory for participation in all upcoming institutional admission and seat allocation processes.

Overview of the natboard.edu.in NEET MDS 2026 Release

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is the central authority tasked with administering the postgraduate dental entrance test. The release of the NEET MDS 2026 scorecard is a major checkpoint for candidates aiming to secure seats in specialized dental programs nationwide. The board carefully manages the distribution of these records to maintain complete transparency in the evaluation process.

Staying informed about these administrative milestones is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. The table below outlines the core parameters of this year's academic testing cycle:

How to Download Your NEET MDS 2026 Scorecard?

To access your personal performance record, you must log into the central portal using your verified credentials. The board has designed the download NEET MDS scorecard process to be user-friendly while strictly protecting candidate data. It is highly recommended to use a desktop computer with a reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions while downloading.

Keep your registration details and password handy. Follow these steps to retrieve your scorecard:

• Go to the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in.
• Find the section dedicated to the dental entrance exam on the homepage.
• Click on the active link for the individual scorecard download.
• Enter your unique application registration ID and security password in the required fields.
• Solve the visual captcha to securely verify your identity.
• View your personalized digital scorecard and save it as a PDF for offline access and printing.

Key Information on the NEET MDS Result 2026 Document

Your downloaded certificate serves as the official summary of your performance on the exam. Reviewing the details on the NEET MDS Result 2026 document allows you to confirm that all personal and academic data is accurate. The counseling administration uses these exact figures to rank candidates during the highly competitive admission rounds.

Verify the printed information against your original application. The scorecard will feature the following mandatory details:

• Candidate Details: Your full registered name, date of birth, and confirmed social category.
• Exam Identifiers: Your specific testing roll number and application registration ID.
• Total Score: The aggregate marks you achieved out of the maximum 960.
• National Rank: Your overall merit position compared to all other candidates nationwide.
• Category Rank: Your specific standing within your designated social reservation category.
• Tie-Breaking Data: Your undergraduate dental degree aggregate percentage, which is used to break ties if scores are identical.

NEET MDS 2026 Cutoff Scores and Percentiles by Category

Your eligibility for counseling depends entirely on meeting the minimum benchmarks set by the board. The NEET MDS Cutoff 2026 scores shift each year based on the difficulty of the exam and the overall performance of the applicant pool. You must score at or above this threshold to move forward in the admission process.

The NBEMS applies different qualifying percentiles to ensure fair representation across social categories. The table below displays the required percentiles and the corresponding cut-off marks for this session:

Decoding the AIQ Rank and NEET MDS Merit List 2026

The evaluation system provides multiple ranking formats to facilitate different phases of seat allocation. The NEET MDS merit list 2026 includes both an overall national rank and an All India Quota (AIQ) rank. Understanding the difference between these metrics will help you strategize your college preferences during counseling.

Different counseling bodies use specific ranks based on the type of seat being allocated:

• Overall National Rank: Your absolute standing against every candidate who took the exam across the country.
• All India Quota (AIQ) Rank: Your specific position strictly for the 50% of seats surrendered to the central MCC counseling pool.
• State Quota Rank: State medical councils will create their own separate merit lists using national scores, based on local domicile rules.
• Category Rank: This rank is used to allocate reserved seats, though high-scoring reserved candidates can still claim unreserved open seats based on standard merit.

Crucial Dates for MCC NEET MDS Counselling 2026

Staying on top of the admission timeline guarantees you will not miss important deadlines. The MCC NEET MDS Counselling 2026 is the final stage where your exam scores translate into an actual college seat. The central committee follows a strict schedule for registration, locking choices, and reporting to colleges.

Keep an eye on the official portals for any shifts in the schedule. The foundational timeline for the postgraduate dental admission process is below:

Mandatory Documents for NBEMS NEET MDS 2026 Admissions

Getting a seat allotted online is only the first step; you must pass a physical verification process at your assigned dental college. The NBEMS NEET MDS 2026 guidelines require you to provide authentic credentials to back up your application. If you fail to produce original documents during reporting, your allotted seat will be canceled immediately.

Gather your physical documents well before counseling starts. The mandatory portfolio includes:

• A clear printout of your downloaded NEET MDS 2026 scorecard.
• The original admit card, complete with the invigilator’s signature from exam day.
• Your original BDS degree certificate or provisional pass certificate.
• Proof of completion for the mandatory one-year rotational internship.
• A valid registration certificate (permanent or provisional) from the Dental Council of India or a State Dental Council.
• Government-issued identity proofs such as a PAN Card, valid Passport, or Aadhaar Card.
• Authorized community reservation certificates, if you are claiming quota benefits.

What to Do After Downloading the NEET MDS Scorecard?

With your scorecard safely downloaded, your next move is to prepare for the seat allocation process. Qualified candidates must register on the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) portal to input their preferred colleges and specialties. The system will then allocate seats based on your rank, reservation status, and the priority order of your choices.

The digital counseling process happens in multiple rounds: Round 1, Round 2, a Mop-Up round, and a Stray Vacancy round. To participate, you must pay a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit. Once a seat is allocated, you can choose to "freeze" it by reporting to the college, or choose the "float" option to wait for a better upgrade in the next round.

New Delhi: In the wake of the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare have suggested conducting the medical entrance examination multiple times a year to reduce stress on students and prevent them from losing an entire academic year due to circumstances beyond their control.

NEET-UG, India's largest medical entrance examination, is at present conducted once a year in a single sitting. The examination held on May 3 this year was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.

According to ANI report, the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) should be conducted multiple times a year to reduce pressure on students and ensure they do not lose an entire academic year, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare suggested on Wednesday.

Sources said the committee discussed the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy and was briefed by officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) on the sequence of events, inquiries conducted so far, and measures taken in response to the alleged breach.

The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare heard the views of the officials on 'Conduct of NEET examinations under NMC Act, 2019' as part of detailed examination of the subject 'Organisational Structure, Mandate and Functional Proficiency of Regulatory Institutions pertaining to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare'.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and NMC Chairman Abhijat C Sheth were among those who presented their views to the committee. The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare is headed by Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav.

This is the third time in recent weeks that government officials appeared before parliamentary panels in connection with the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination held in May over allegations of a paper leak. The exam has been rescheduled for June 21.

A major concern raised by MPs was the recurring nature of such incidents, sources said. Members are learnt to have pointed out that similar controversies had surfaced in 2024 and again in 2026, raising questions over accountability and whether existing punitive measures are adequate to prevent future breaches.

"All the MPs discussed the need to move forward on this because it is not a one-time issue, it has become a recurring problem. Since it happened in 2024 and again in 2026, the question is who is accountable for it, how accountability should be fixed, and whether the punishment is sufficient to ensure such incidents do not happen again," a source said.

According to sources, members also suggested conducting NEET-UG two or three times a year so that students get multiple opportunities to clear the examination and do not suffer due to factors beyond their control.

"Members suggested that there should be multiple NEET examinations throughout the year, at least two or three, because when a student misses out on an entire year of education due to somebody else's fault, it has a very deep impact on the students," the source said.

Government officials are learnt to have informed the panel that the suggestion would be examined.

The demand for conducting NEET multiple times a year has been raised repeatedly by student groups. In July 2018, then Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that NTA would conduct JEE Main and NEET-UG twice a year. However, this was never implemented.

The National Medical Commission in 2023, however, stated that holding NEET-UG twice a year would not be feasible as all MBBS seats are filled through a single counselling process.

Officials also informed the panel that the government is considering introducing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for NEET from the next examination cycle. However, MPs emphasised the need of smooth transition, particularly for students from rural areas, citing issues of digital access, infrastructure, and the need for the availability of examination papers in regional languages, the sources said.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will provide logistical support for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21 by transporting question paper packets to 18 locations across the country, according to Defence Ministry sources. The move is part of an enhanced security strategy introduced after the cancellation of the May 3 NEET UG exam over alleged paper leak concerns. Authorities aim to ensure secure handling and transportation of examination materials throughout the process, according to NDTV.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier announced the Air Force's involvement in question paper transportation to strengthen security and prevent any possibility of tampering. Along with the IAF deployment, nearly five lakh security personnel will be stationed across the country for examination duties. Authorities have also planned AI-enabled surveillance cameras and extensive monitoring of social media platforms to detect misinformation, suspicious activity, and any attempts to compromise the examination process.

NEET UG 2026 re-exam paper setters have been placed under lockdown till June 21 to prevent leaks and ensure fair examination this time. Check details here

NEET Re-Exam 2026: Ahead of NEET UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, NTA have placed paper setters and those involved in preparing question paper under lockdown at undisclosed location. The move is part of security arrangements after cancellation of NEET May exam over paper leak allegations. According to reports, mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches and other communication devices are not allowed. Internet access has also been restricted, while entry and exit from facility are being closely monitored. Officials said this aims to prevent any possibility of information leaks.

Multi Layer Security Measures for NEET UG Re Exam 2026

The isolation of NEET paper setters is only one part of security framework for re examination. Authorities have strengthened security at every stage, including question paper creation, moderation, translation, printing, packaging, storage and transportation. This has been divided among different teams to ensure that no individual has access to entire chain of operations.

National Testing Agency has also dismissed claims circulating on social media platforms regarding alleged leak of June 21 question paper. The agency termed them false and warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation.

Ahmedabad: For the clarity of Aspiring dental postgraduates in Gujarat on the admission process for the 2026-27 academic session, as the Admission Committee for Professional Postgraduate Medical Educational Courses (ACPPGMEC) has issued detailed eligibility guidelines for NEET MDS admissions 2026

Along with specifying who can apply, the committee has also released the complete list of documents candidates must submit during the admission process, including academic records, internship completion certificates, registration documents, and category-related certificates wherever applicable.

Eligibility criteria for the Admission in MDS course for Academic year 2026-27

• The candidate must have completed the recognized BDS course from university established under any law of Government of Gujarat and situated in State of Gujarat.

• The candidate must have completed the recognized BDS course from university established under any law of Government of India and situated in any State / Union territory of India / Out of India subject to fulfilling the Eligibility criteria of DCI, New Delhi/ Govt. of India and must have passed 12th qualifying examination with “B- group” or “AB-group” either from (a) Gujarat Board OR (b) from Central Board of Secondary Education/ The Council of Indian School Certificate Examination board/ The International School Board (International Baccalaureate and Cambridge)/ The National Institute of Open Schooling provided that school is located in the state of Gujarat and must be born in Gujarat state/ be the Domicile of Gujarat state.

• The candidate must have completed compulsory rotating internship on or before Dt. 31/05/2026.

List of Documents Required for Admission Process of ACPPGMEC

1. All years BDS attempt wise Marksheets.

2. Copy of NEET-PG(MDS) Marksheet of current academic year

3. Internship completion certificate on or before Dt. 31/05/2026

4. Provisional Registration of State Dental Council / Dental Council of India (In case of fresh candidates only who have just completed their internship)/Permanent Registration of Dental Council / Dental Council of India (In case of old pass out candidates)

5. Document showing Date & Place of Birth & Indian Citizenship (School leaving Certificate/ Transfer Certificate--compulsory for all candidates & Birth Certificate/ Passport--If birth place not mentioned in School leaving certificate/Transfer Certificate)

6. For SEBC, ST and SC Category: Caste certificate issued by Competent Authorities of Gujarat State only

7. For SEBC Category: Non-creamy layer certificate (Parishistha ‘4’ in Gujarati/English) issued by Competent Authorities of Gujarat State only.

• Issued on/after Dt: 01/04/2024, valid for 2026-27 (for Gujarati language certificate)

• Issued on/after Dt: 01/04/2026, valid for 2026-27 (for English language certificate) 8. For EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) Category: EWS certificate issued by Competent Authorities of Gujarat State only.

• Issued on/after Dt: 01/04/2024, valid for 2026-27 (for Gujarati language certificate)

• Issued on/after Dt: 01/04/2026, valid for 2026-27 (for English language certificate) 9. For PwD Candidates: Disability Certificate issued by Competent Authority 10. Copy of Passport - if Citizenship is Dual/ Foreign

11.12th Marksheet (For candidates who have done BDS outside Gujarat)

12. Domicile certificate of Gujarat state: For candidates who have done BDS outside Gujarat (only if birth place is outside Gujarat).

Weeks after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak exposed vulnerabilities at the most confidential stage of the examination process, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is working on a fundamental redesign of how question papers are created.

Key to this is delinking paper-setting from specific examinations altogether and moving towards what officials call a “zero-trust architecture,” one where the system trusts processes over individuals.

Under this proposal, now under discussion within the government for the next year’s exam, subject experts invited to frame questions would no longer know whether the questions they are setting are meant for NEET, JEE or any other examination conducted by the NTA

Instead, their questions would be added to a large central repository from which exam papers would later be generated, significantly reducing the number of individuals with knowledge of the final paper.