12-June-2026
NEET-UG 2026 Reforms: Parliamentary Panel Suggests Conducting Exam 2–3 Times a Year
To reduce the burden on students and ensure that students don’t miss out on an entire academic year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended that NEET-UG exams be conducted two to three times a year. This recommendation was made in light of the NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak incident, where exams had to be cancelled for over 22 lakh registered participants.
📋 Table of Contents
▲NEET-UG 2026 Reforms Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Committee | Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare |
| Committee Head | Ram Gopal Yadav, MP |
| Meeting Date | June 10, 2026 |
| Subject | NEET-UG 2026 paper leak & proposed reforms |
| Officials Present | NTA DG Abhishek Singh, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, NMC Chairman Dr Abhijat C Sheth |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
NEET-UG 2026 Controversy: Background
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Exam Date | May 3, 2026 |
| Candidates Registered | 22 lakh+ |
| Reason for Cancellation | Allegations of paper leak and exam malpractice from multiple states |
| Re-Exam Date | June 21, 2026 |
| Investigating Agency | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) |
This was not a one-time incident. Similar problems occurred in 2024. It has been termed a “recurring problem” by member of Parliament and has been recommended to be dealt with strict measures.
Also Read : Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS 2026
Key Proposals by the Parliamentary Panel
1. Multiple NEET-UG Attempts Per Year
- Committee members proposed that NEET-UG should be scheduled at least two or three times a year.
- Students who lose an exam year due to cancellations for reasons beyond their control must not wait a full year for the next exam.
- Officials of the concerned ministry informed the committee that the proposal would be considered.
2. Accountability and Stricter Punishments
- Committee members wanted to know how accountability would be resolved in the case of incomplete accountability.
- Concern was expressed regarding the adequacy of the punishments proposed to prevent malpractices.
- The committee underscored the necessity of a permanent solution, rather than a temporary one.
3. Shift to Computer-Based Test (CBT) Format
- The government is considering the relocation of NEET-UG to CBT for future exam cycles.
- Committee members proposed that a gradual change is necessary, particularly for candidates in rural and distant areas.
- Concern was expressed regarding the unequal digital divide, testing infrastructure, and the availability of questions in regional languages.
Also Read : NEET 2026 First 30 Minutes Strategy
History of the "Multiple Attempts" Demand
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2018 | HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that both JEE Main and NEET-UG would eventually be conducted twice a year under the NTA framework |
| Post-2018 | JEE Main adopted a multi-session format; the proposal was never implemented for NEET |
| 2023 | NMC stated that holding NEET twice a year would be difficult as MBBS admissions are conducted through a single counselling process |
| 2026 | Parliamentary panel revived the demand following the paper leak controversy |
NEET-UG vs JEE Main: Format Comparison
| Particulars | NEET-UG | JEE Main |
|---|---|---|
| Attempts Per Year | 1 (currently) | 2 (January & April sessions) |
| Exam Mode | Pen & Paper (OMR) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Conducting Body | NTA | NTA |
| Admission For | MBBS / BDS / AYUSH | B.Tech / B.E. (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs) |
| Counselling | MCC (centralised) | JoSAA + State Counselling |
What These Reforms Could Mean for Students
- Multiple Attempts — A second or third chance within the same year if an exam is cancelled or disrupted
- Reduced Pressure — Students will not be dependent on a single exam for their entire medical career
- CBT Format — Faster result declaration and lower risk of paper leaks in the long term
- Stronger Accountability — Stricter action against those responsible for exam malpractice
Final Thought
This article is based on media reports of the Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting held on June 10, 2026. The proposals based on this meeting are under discussion and will not impact policy until the government officially notifies changes. The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination has been announced for June 21, 2026. Candidates should visit the NTA portal for updates.
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FAQs
Will NEET-UG actually be conducted 2-3 times a year?
As of now, this is just a proposal by the Parliamentary Standing Committee. Government officials have noted it and will look into it. No policy change has been noted.
Q2. What is the date for NEET-UG 2026 re-examination?
The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will take place on 21 June 2026. This examination will be for candidates who had their original exam (scheduled for 03 May 2026) cancelled due to the alleged case of paper leak and malpractice.
Q3. Will NEET-UG transition to Computer Based Test (CBT)? If so, When will this happen?
There is no official announcement regarding this. Currently, the government is planning to transition to Computer Based Test (CBT) in the upcoming exam cycles. The Parliamentary Committee has suggested a slow transition to accommodate students from rural areas who don’t have access to digital infrastructure.
