Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday, 21 June 2026, intervened to ensure that Shrishti Dubey, a critically injured NEET UG aspirant from Kolkata, could appear for the national medical entrance re-examination despite suffering nine broken ribs and severe lung injuries in a road accident just a week earlier. Shrishti sat the exam at Binodini Girls High School in Dhakuria, Kolkata, in a dedicated room equipped with medical support and a standby ambulance — arrangements made possible after her father's appeal reached the minister directly.

How the Intervention Unfolded

Shrishti's father, Shreeram Shiwji Dubey, a primary school teacher, wrote to Pradhan detailing his daughter's condition. He explained that she had been involved in a major road traffic accident on 14 June 2026, in which nine of her ribs were broken and she sustained severe lung injuries. She subsequently underwent major vascular surgery and was placed on artificial ventilation before being extubated and moved to a recovery phase.

In his appeal, Dubey requested that the examination centre — Centre Code: 4608306 — provide Shrishti with a ground-floor seating arrangement, a chair and table, and permission to carry medical attachments including a chest drain, as she would be appearing in hospital attire. He also confirmed that ILS Hospital would supply a doctor, paramedics, and necessary medical support on-site.

Special Arrangements at the Centre

Following Pradhan's intervention, the National Testing Agency (NTA) facilitated a separate examination room for Shrishti at Binodini Girls High School. A standby ambulance was stationed at the venue throughout the duration of the test, according to officials. As the examination began, Pradhan personally called Shrishti's father to inquire about her condition and progress.

'It is all because of you that my daughter is giving the exam,' Shreeram Dubey told the minister, expressing his family's gratitude. Shrishti's mother also thanked Pradhan, saying the family had 'given up hope' before doctors encouraged them to file a special application. Pradhan expressed hope that Shrishti would 'perform well and make her parents proud by becoming a doctor,' and told Dubey he would try to meet the family on his next visit to Kolkata.

The Broader Context: NEET UG Re-Examination 2026

Shrishti's story unfolded on the day of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, in which more than 20 lakh students across India appeared under multi-layered security arrangements put in place by the NTA. The re-examination was necessitated after the original 3 May 2026 test was cancelled following allegations of irregularities — making the stakes exceptionally high for aspirants who had already waited weeks for a fresh attempt.

For Shrishti, who had been recovering in hospital, the re-examination represented a narrow window that could have easily closed. The combination of medical support, administrative flexibility, and ministerial attention ensured it did not.

What Happens Next

Shrishti's results will be processed alongside those of the broader candidate pool. The NTA is expected to release the NEET UG 2026 results in the weeks following the re-examination. The episode is also likely to prompt renewed discussion on standardised protocols for differently-abled or medically compromised candidates appearing in national entrance tests.