Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday, 9 June said that multiple Central government ministries are coordinating to ensure the NEET-UG re-examination, scheduled for 21 June, is conducted without any irregularities. The re-exam was ordered following alleged discrepancies in the original 3 May examination, and Pradhan confirmed that state governments are fully cooperating with the effort.

Minister's Visit to NTA Headquarters

Pradhan personally visited the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters in New Delhi to review preparations. 'Today I had personally come at the NTA headquarters to review the preparations of the exam. This time we have taken greater precaution in the confidentiality of all departments who are involved right from setting of the question paper to the papers reaching its designated centres,' he told reporters.

He noted that a high-level coordination meeting among secretaries of concerned departments has already taken place under Union Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is also expected to convene a separate high-level preparedness meeting in the coming days.

States Brought Into the Loop

Pradhan said he has written individually to Chief Ministers across all states, with particular focus on those requiring 'especial attention.' Several Chief Ministers have since held district-level meetings with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Director Generals of Police, and Chief Secretaries. The NTA Director General joins those state-level meetings virtually.

'The CMs are cooperating with us, particularly in those states which require especial attention,' Pradhan said. He expressed confidence that the exam would be successfully conducted across 551 cities this time.

Structural Changes at NTA

The minister confirmed that new officials have been inducted into the NTA to reinforce its institutional framework. Ministries including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) and the Home Ministry have been looped in to counter potential cyber challenges, he said.

Pradhan also disclosed that he has met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and is set to meet Health Minister J. P. Nadda. 'The Finance Ministry is also keeping a close watch on the situation,' he added. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally taken responsibility for ensuring students are reassured through the administrative process.

Paper Leak Investigation and Accountability

On the ongoing investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak, Pradhan confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is examining the irregularities. He called for swift, exemplary punishment through fast-track courts for those arrested. 'The accused should also be given exemplary punishment,' he said.

Referring to exam paper setters who have been arrested, Pradhan said: 'All those people who had an agreement with us, have breached their commitment and trust.' He added that the NTA has been asked to explore civil liability proceedings against those involved, and is currently seeking legal counsel on the matter.

Assurance to Students

Addressing aspirants directly, Pradhan said: 'We assure you that this time NEET will be conducted without any irregularities. I would also like to assure you that this time the results of the examination will be declared on time so that students' learning is not affected and there is not much loss of time.' The government's stated priority is to minimise disruption to the academic calendar for medical aspirants already affected by the controversy surrounding the original exam.