NEET UG 2026: City-choice option in re-exam

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced major updates regarding the NEET UG 2026 re-exam after the medical entrance test was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak. Addressing a Press conference, the Minister said students appearing for the re-exam will now be allowed to choose their preferred exam city, offering relief to lakhs of candidates affected by the cancellation. 

The move comes as part of the government’s efforts to ensure smoother conduct of the re-examination and reduce travel difficulties faced by students. Officials stated that candidates can select exam centres according to their convenience before the revised examination schedule is implemented.

Pradhan also confirmed that fresh admit cards for the NEET UG 2026 re-exam will be released by June 14, 2026 on the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students can download their hall tickets using their existing application credentials, and no fresh registration process will be required for the examination.

According to officials, all previously submitted candidature details and application data will remain valid for the re-exam. The government has also clarified that no additional fee will be charged to students for appearing again.

In another major development, the Education Minister announced that NEET will shift to a computer-based test (CBT) format from next year, replacing the traditional pen-and-paper mode. The change is aimed at improving exam security, minimising the risks of paper leaks, and streamlining the examination process in line with other national-level competitive exams.

The announcement follows the Centre’s decision to order a CBI probe into the alleged NEET UG paper leak case. Multiple agencies are currently investigating possible lapses linked to WhatsApp circulation, printing-stage handling, and internal vulnerabilities in the examination process.

Additionally, the government has introduced a new provision allowing NEET UG 2026 re-exam candidates to choose their preferred exam city. The decision is expected to ease travel stress and logistical challenges for students who may have faced inconvenience during the earlier examination process. Officials said the option will help candidates take the exam in centres that are more accessible and convenient for them.