NEET UG 2026: Major exam reforms announced by education minister

NEET UG 2026 sees major changes as exam shifts to CBT mode next year. Admit cards for June 21 re-exam by June 14, extra 15 minutes granted, and candidates can choose their exam centre without extra fee.

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 15 May 2026, 12:13 PM IST

Major Exam Reforms Announced by Education Minister

New Delhi: NEET UG 2026 will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday. The move marks a significant shift in India’s largest medical entrance examination system.

The announcement comes amid ongoing preparations for the NEET re-exam scheduled on June 21, 2026.

Admit Card to be released by June 14

The minister confirmed that admit cards for the re-examination will be issued by June 14. Candidates have been advised to download their hall tickets only from official portals and avoid relying on unofficial sources.

Authorities also stated that no fresh registration is required for the re-exam. Existing candidature details will remain valid.

Candidates can choose exam centre

In a student-friendly move, candidates appearing for the NEET re-exam will be allowed to select their preferred examination centre. Officials said this step has been taken to improve accessibility and reduce exam-day difficulties for aspirants across the country.

Extra time and no additional fee

Candidates will also be given 15 extra minutes during the examination. In addition, no additional application or examination fee will be charged for the re-test.

No fresh application required

National Testing Agency clarified that all registered candidates from the May 2026 cycle will automatically be considered for the re-conducted examination. Their registration data, exam centres, and candidature details will be carried forward without any new application process.

The agency also confirmed that previously paid fees will be refunded and the examination will be conducted using internal resources.

Official helpline for students

Candidates can contact NTA at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or email neetug2026@nta.ac.in for assistance. All updates will be available on the official website neet.nta.nic.in.