NEET UG May Get Multiple Attempts in a Year, Panel Members Suggest

Parliamentary Panel Suggests Multiple NEET UG Attempts in a Year After Paper Leak Concerns

Amid renewed concerns over the NEET UG paper leak controversy, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare have suggested that the medical entrance exam should be conducted more than once a year.

According to sources cited in an ANI report, Members of Parliament raised serious concerns over the repeated occurrence of such incidents and questioned the accountability mechanism in place. The committee discussed the recent NEET UG paper leak issue with officials from the National Testing Agency, the National Medical Commission, and the Ministry of Education.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, and NMC Chairman Abhijat C Sheth were among the officials who briefed the panel on the sequence of events, inquiries conducted so far, and steps taken after the alleged breach.

The committee, headed by Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, was informed about the measures being considered to prevent such incidents in future. MPs reportedly pointed out that similar controversies had surfaced in 2024 and again in 2026, raising questions over responsibility and whether the existing punishment is strong enough to act as a deterrent.

Sources said several members suggested that NEET UG should be held at least two or three times a year. They argued that students should not be forced to lose an entire academic year due to irregularities or failures beyond their control.

The members also said that multiple attempts would reduce pressure on aspirants and provide them with fairer opportunities, similar to the format followed in some other competitive examinations.

Government officials reportedly told the committee that the suggestion would be examined.

The panel was also informed that the government is considering introducing Computer-Based Testing for NEET from the next examination cycle. However, MPs stressed that any shift to CBT must be implemented carefully, especially for students from rural areas. They highlighted concerns related to digital access, exam infrastructure, regional language availability, and equal opportunity for all candidates.

The NEET UG 2026 examination, which was held on May 3, was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. The exam has now been rescheduled for June 21.