Ahead of Neet-UG re-exam, Dharmendra Pradhan urges nearly 22 lakh candidates to 'sit fearlessly'

Nearly 22 lakh candidates are appearing for the Neet-UG re-examination on June 21 amid heightened scrutiny over the medical entrance test, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressing confidence in the examination process and urging students to take the test without fear.

The revised Neet UG re-examination will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, with the duration extended by an additional 15 minutes compared with the earlier schedule.

“Neet-UG re-examination is going to take place today. I have complete faith in the NTA, all the state governments, the district administrations, the Indian education sector, and especially in India’s students. Nearly 22 lakh students will be taking the Neet exam shortly. Sit fearlessly, without worry, and you will definitely do well. This is my best wish to the students. They have faith in India’s system and will continue to have it. May this unwavering faith remain," Pradhan said.

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The Union minister also appealed to people to act responsibly and refrain from doing anything that could cause distress to students ahead of the examination.

“On this occasion, as a parent, as a social worker, I request you: Please do not jeopardize the future of India’s new generation. Let no one make a mockery of it. Let us not do anything that will impact the mental health of the children. In a few hours, the children are going to take the exam. In the past, some so-called responsible people in India have behaved in this manner. They treated children with ulterior motives and ill intentions. If you are responsible, if you consider yourself a true citizen of India, if you represent the people of India, please take responsibility. Don’t cause any further hardship or suffering to the children of India. This is our request to you," he said.

Pradhan also said the remaining CBSE results would be published shortly.

“Not only will the Neet exam be held today, but the remaining CBSE results will also be released very soon. Results for approximately 15,50,000 out of 17,00,000 students have already been released. Those who applied for re-evaluation, re-assessment, and re-verification are almost complete. The CBSE will publish them soon. We will not allow any disruption to the children. We assure you of this today," he added.

Heightened scrutiny and tighter security measures

The Neet-UG re-examination is being conducted amid increased scrutiny following controversies surrounding the medical entrance examination earlier this year, including allegations of irregularities and paper leaks. The National Testing Agency has said extensive measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.

Authorities in Maharashtra have also strengthened security arrangements for the re-examination, with special vigilance in Nagpur, Ahilyanagar and Latur due to concerns arising from last year's paper leak controversy.

The state administration, in coordination with police and education authorities, has introduced extensive measures to ensure that the examination is conducted in a secure, transparent and malpractice-free environment. Maharashtra was among the states that came under scrutiny during the Neet paper leak investigation, prompting authorities to adopt stricter safeguards this year.