The Supreme Court on Wednesday, August 19, stressed the need for institutionalising reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA) and cautioned the government against repeatedly replacing expert panels without ensuring continuity in the reform process.

A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe made the observations while hearing the matter related to the NEET-UG paper leak and the measures taken to strengthen the examination system.

Court Seeks Fresh Affidavit

The Bench directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file a fresh affidavit detailing the steps taken by the authorities on the recommendations of earlier inquiry committees.

The court's observations centred on whether the reforms recommended after the NEET-UG controversy were being institutionalised within the NTA or whether the process was being repeatedly restarted through new committees and task forces.

‘Systemic Problem’ Needs Continuity

The Bench referred to the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, which had identified the examination-related concerns as a systemic problem requiring institutional mechanisms.

The court observed that while the reform process may appear sound on paper, its effectiveness needs to be assessed across successive examinations.

“This process on paper everything is good. But then one exam happens and by the time the second exam happens it is a new picture all together,” the Bench said.

The observation highlights the court's concern that reforms should not remain limited to reports and recommendations but should translate into sustained institutional practices.

Nilekani Task Force Under Focus

The hearing also touched upon the recently constituted Nandan Nilekani task force. The Supreme Court indicated that the formation of the new task force should not automatically mean that the recommendations of the earlier panel headed by a former ISRO chief have been abandoned.

The Bench made it clear that the new exercise should not be interpreted as discarding the earlier committee's work “lock, stock, and barrel”.

The court's approach suggests that recommendations from different expert groups may need to be integrated rather than treated as independent or competing reform exercises.

NTA Examination System

The National Testing Agency conducts several major entrance and eligibility examinations, including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), which determines admission to medical courses across the country.

The agency came under intense scrutiny following allegations surrounding the NEET-UG examination, including questions related to paper leaks, irregularities and the handling of examination security.

The Supreme Court has since been examining measures intended to improve the credibility and security of the examination process.

Institutional Reform Is Key

The latest observations place emphasis on long-term institutional reform rather than short-term responses to individual examination controversies.

The court's concern is that repeated committees should not result in a cycle where recommendations are made, followed by a new examination and then another review without establishing a stable system for implementation and monitoring.

The fresh affidavit sought from the government is expected to provide the court with a clearer picture of the progress made on the recommendations and the institutional mechanisms currently being put in place.

What Happens Next

The government will now have to place the updated details before the Supreme Court. The affidavit is expected to address the implementation of recommendations and clarify how the new task force fits into the broader reform framework.

The proceedings assume significance for future NEET-UG examinations as the court continues to examine whether changes within the NTA can provide a more secure, transparent and reliable testing system.

Six NEET aspirants have approached the Supreme Court alleging discrepancies between the answers they marked on their original OMR sheets and the scanned copies uploaded by the National Testing Agency (NTA), claiming the mismatch could adversely affect their medical admissions.

The petition comes at a crucial stage as the NEET counselling process is already underway, prompting the students to seek an urgent hearing before the apex court.

Supreme Court Agrees to List Matter

The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan.

Appearing for the petitioners, counsel urged the court to hear the matter on priority, stating that only six students were involved and that counselling had already begun.

Responding to the request, the Chief Justice said, "We will list it," indicating that the matter would be taken up for hearing.

Students Allege OMR Discrepancies

According to the petition, the candidates found differences between the responses they had marked in the examination and those reflected in the scanned OMR sheets uploaded by the NTA.

The petitioners contend that the alleged discrepancies have resulted in lower scores, potentially affecting their eligibility for admission to medical colleges.

Their counsel informed the court that all six students had expected scores in the range of 600 to 650 marks, making the alleged errors significant in determining their final ranks and admission prospects.

Alleged Response from NTA

The students claim they repeatedly contacted the NTA through emails and also visited its office seeking correction of the alleged discrepancies.

However, according to the petition, their representations were not acted upon.

The counsel further alleged that an NTA official told the students, "Go to the Supreme Court. We don't bother about this," after they raised concerns regarding the OMR sheets.

The NTA has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Issue Surfaces During Counselling

The plea assumes significance as medical admissions based on NEET scores are currently in progress across the country.

The petitioners have argued that any delay in resolving the issue could cause irreversible prejudice to their admission opportunities.

NEET Reforms Under Judicial Scrutiny

The latest petition comes amid broader judicial scrutiny of the NEET examination process following the 2026 paper leak controversy.

The Supreme Court has recently emphasised the need for systemic and institutional reforms within the National Testing Agency to improve transparency and examination integrity.

Earlier, the NTA had released scanned copies of candidates' OMR answer sheets and provided an objection window before announcing the final results.

Meanwhile, similar disputes are also pending before other courts. The Bombay High Court is hearing a petition alleging discrepancies between expected and declared NEET scores, while the Delhi High Court is examining a case in which a student claimed that his score changed multiple times on the NTA portal.

The Supreme Court's decision in the present matter could have implications for the affected candidates as the counselling process continues.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated a ₹7.5-crore security procurement exercise to strengthen protection of its offices, confidential examination material and digital infrastructure following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The move is aimed at reinforcing security across the examination process amid continued scrutiny over the integrity of national-level entrance tests.

The tender, issued on July 25, seeks a professional security agency to provide round-the-clock security services at the NTA headquarters on Minto Road, its regional office in Okhla, and other locations notified by the agency.

24x7 Security for Critical Infrastructure

According to the tender documents, the selected agency will be responsible for safeguarding personnel, visitors, examination material and key facilities linked to the conduct of national examinations.

The security cover will extend to:

• NTA headquarters and regional offices

• Strong rooms and warehouses

• Record rooms and confidential document storage

• Server rooms and digital infrastructure

• Examination-related assets and premises

The contract will initially be awarded for two years, with the provision to extend it by two additional one-year terms. Interested agencies can submit bids until August 17.

Part of a Larger Security Overhaul

The security contract is part of a broader procurement initiative launched by the NTA, which also includes housekeeping services and examination-grade printing facilities.

The agency is seeking to strengthen safeguards across the entire examination chain, including printing, storage, transportation, access control and protection of sensitive digital systems involved in conducting high-stakes entrance examinations.

Move Follows NEET-UG 2026 Leak

The tender comes months after the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered nationwide concerns over the credibility of India's medical entrance examination system.

The controversy renewed fears that organised networks may be exploiting vulnerabilities in examination printing, storage, transportation and access to confidential question papers.

Investigations into the alleged leak are still underway.

Previous Controversies Increased Pressure

The latest developments have also revived memories of the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, when allegations of paper leaks, irregularities and unusually high scores led to nationwide protests, legal challenges and a CBI investigation.

Although the Supreme Court acknowledged that some candidates had benefited from a paper leak, it declined to order a nationwide re-examination, observing that there was no evidence of a complete systemic failure across the entire examination process.

Despite that ruling, the controversy significantly affected public confidence and increased pressure on the NTA to introduce stronger security and transparency measures.

Focus on Securing the Examination Process

By strengthening physical security, protecting confidential examination material and enhancing safeguards around digital infrastructure, the NTA aims to reduce vulnerabilities in the examination ecosystem and restore confidence in the conduct of national entrance examinations.

The proposed security upgrade is expected to play a key role in safeguarding future examinations against potential breaches.

The CBI has filed a nearly 20,000-page chargesheet in the NEET UG paper leak case before a fast-track court in Delhi, marking a major development in an investigation that triggered student protests and political controversy across the country. According to the information available, the agency has named 13 people as accused and gathered material linked to around 360 witnesses during its investigation. The probe also uncovered the use of code names such as “Kailash” and “Shivalik”, names taken from major mountain ranges, to identify two sets of question papers used for the NEET UG examination held on May 3. More than 22 lakh students seeking admission to medical colleges across the country had appeared for the examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The alleged paper leak later led to the cancellation of the examination and sparked widespread protests by students.

The CBI filed its chargesheet on Tuesday after completing a major part of its investigation in about 77 days. Among the 13 people named as accused are three subject experts associated with the NTA — biology expert Manisha Mandhare, chemistry expert Prahlad Vitthalrao Kulkarni and physics expert Manisha Sanjay Havaldar. Investigators examined different stages of the examination process to understand where the alleged leak took place and how the question papers may have moved through the network. The “Kailash” and “Shivalik” code names have emerged as an important part of the investigation, with the two names reportedly being used for separate sets of NEET UG question papers. The large chargesheet includes documents and other material collected during the probe, along with details connected to hundreds of witnesses. The allegations against those named in the chargesheet, however, will now have to be examined and established before the court.

The NEET paper leak controversy went far beyond questions about the conduct of a single examination. After the exam was cancelled, protests spread to different parts of the country and the issue eventually reached Parliament. The agitation over examination irregularities also intensified political pressure on the government and was followed by the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. With the CBI now filing its nearly 20,000-page chargesheet, the case has entered an important legal phase. The focus will shift to the evidence presented before the fast-track court and the alleged roles of the 13 accused. The investigation has also brought scrutiny to people connected with the examination system itself, including NTA subject experts. What happens next will depend on how the court assesses the CBI's evidence, witness material and other records submitted with the chargesheet.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a stormy debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Opposition questioning the government's handling of paper leaks and student protests, while the Centre defended the proposed amendments as a major step toward restoring the credibility of India's examination system.

Leading the Opposition's attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the government's use of pellet guns against protesting students, asking whether they were being treated as "terrorists." She urged the Centre to respond to students' concerns instead of resorting to force.

Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of failing to reform the education system despite introducing the anti-paper leak law in 2024. He pointed out that major examination leaks continued in 2026 and demanded accountability for the alleged use of force against students during protests. Gogoi also questioned why only the National Testing Agency's Director General was replaced while broader institutional accountability remained unaddressed.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the government over former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Referring to his removal, Yadav remarked that by removing one "Pradhan," the government had effectively protected the "Pradhan Mantri." He alleged that the government relied on slogans rather than meaningful reforms and claimed that students had compelled the Centre to act through sustained protests.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee supported stronger legal provisions to tackle examination fraud but argued that legislation alone would not solve the problem. He described the Bill as an acknowledgment of systemic failure and called for comprehensive reforms to improve transparency and accountability in the examination process.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran opposed the idea of a "One India, One Exam" framework, arguing that India's diverse educational landscape required state-specific approaches. He also questioned the effectiveness of NEET, pointing out that paper leaks had continued despite the existing examination system.

Telugu Desam Party MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu proposed three key measures to strengthen the law, including regular monitoring of fast-track courts, filling vacancies in forensic departments to speed up investigations, and introducing reforms in coaching institutions by making education non-profit.

Defending the Bill, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described the amendment as a landmark piece of legislation aimed at protecting the future of students. He said the revised law significantly strengthens punishment for examination fraud, ensures time-bound investigations, and mandates speedy trials through fast-track courts. According to the minister, the amendments are designed to curb organised examination mafias and reinforce public confidence in the country's examination system.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also backed the legislation, stating that organised paper leak networks had become a serious challenge and required stricter legal provisions. She said the Bill would remove jurisdictional ambiguities, establish a dedicated central task force, and ensure investigations and trials are completed within fixed timelines.

While the Opposition maintained that it supported stronger measures against paper leaks, it insisted that the government must also answer questions regarding police action against protesting students and broader failures in examination governance. The government, however, argued that the amended law would significantly strengthen India's ability to combat organised examination fraud and ensure fair, transparent, and credible public examinations.

 The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET paper leak controversy has triggered sharp political reactions in Chhattisgarh, with leaders across party lines offering contrasting views on the development.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel described the resignation as a victory for students and youth across the country. In a post on X, Baghel said the decision reflected the success of sustained protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.

Taking a swipe at the Centre, Baghel compared the Modi government to "Hiranyakashyap" from Hindu mythology and described the country's Gen-Z students as the "Narasimha avatar" that forced the government to act. He said the resignation represented a defeat for the Union government and a victory for students seeking justice.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker and former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh also backed the resignation, though from a different perspective. He said the decision was necessary to calm the nationwide agitation surrounding the examination controversy.

"The issue had become a matter of national concern. Bringing it to a conclusion was important," Raman Singh said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated that stricter laws would be introduced to curb examination-related malpractices.

However, the BJP's stand within the state government appeared divided. Chhattisgarh School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav expressed support for Dharmendra Pradhan and argued that the minister should not have resigned.

Yadav said that a large ministry functions through thousands of officials and employees, making it unfair to hold the minister directly responsible for every administrative lapse. He urged Pradhan to withdraw his resignation in the national interest, noting that the Centre had already constituted an inquiry committee and established fast-track courts to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, celebrations broke out among student organisations in several parts of the state. In Bilaspur, students and youth groups organised a "Victory Rally," raising slogans in support of student unity and demanding the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Protesters maintained that while the minister's resignation marked an important milestone, their larger campaign for examination reforms and institutional accountability would continue.

Congress workers in Raipur also took out a victory procession, calling the resignation a result of sustained public pressure over the alleged paper leak.

The resignation marks a significant political development, as Dharmendra Pradhan has become the first Union minister in the Narendra Modi government since 2014 to step down following sustained public protests. Earlier, in 2018, then Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar resigned amid allegations during the global #MeToo movement, though the circumstances were unrelated to government policy.

The NEET controversy has also renewed attention on India's anti-paper leak framework. In June 2024, the Centre implemented the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to tackle examination fraud. The law makes offences such as paper leaks, organised cheating, unauthorised access to examination materials and related offences non-bailable, with punishments ranging from three to ten years' imprisonment and heavy financial penalties, depending on the nature of the offence.

Despite the new legislation, opposition parties and student organisations have continued to demand broader reforms to restore confidence in the country's examination system.

The Supreme Court on Friday emphasized the urgent need for a permanent and transparent examination system for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), stating that temporary arrangements such as deploying the Indian Air Force to transport question papers cannot serve as a lasting solution. Hearing a batch of petitions linked to the NEET paper leak controversy, the apex court made it clear that it would closely monitor every step taken by the Centre to strengthen the integrity of the examination process.

A Bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe observed that dependence on ad hoc arrangements over the years had exposed systemic weaknesses in India's examination framework. Stressing the importance of long-term reforms, the Court asked the Centre to present a detailed roadmap outlining measures being implemented to ensure transparency, security, and fairness in future NEET examinations.

Court Pushes for Permanent Examination Reforms

During the hearing, the Bench questioned the Union government about the progress made in implementing recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, which was constituted after concerns over examination security. The Court also sought details regarding the adoption of the IIT model for conducting examinations and the reforms proposed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Justice PS Narasimha remarked that while extraordinary measures may be necessary during emergencies, they cannot replace a comprehensive institutional framework.

Referring to the transportation of NEET-UG re-test question papers through the Indian Air Force, the Bench observed that such arrangements were temporary in nature and highlighted the need for a permanent mechanism capable of preventing paper leaks and ensuring public confidence in the examination system.

The Court noted that repeated dependence on temporary solutions had contributed to recurring challenges and stressed that a well-designed, structured examination process was now essential.

Centre Assures Comprehensive Reforms

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the Bench that the government was actively working on strengthening the examination ecosystem and would soon submit a comprehensive status report before the Court.

Mehta said the future of lakhs of students could not be compromised under any circumstances and informed the Court that reforms being implemented extended beyond the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee.

According to the Solicitor General, every aspect of the examination process—from question paper preparation and printing to transportation, storage, and distribution—is being monitored at the highest levels of government.

He also reminded the Court that a similar issue had come up two years earlier, when the Centre had explained the security protocols followed throughout the examination process. The government, he added, has since continued to improve those safeguards to prevent any recurrence of paper leak incidents.

FAIMA Seeks Detailed CBT Blueprint

Representing the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), advocate Tanvi Dubey requested the Court to direct the authorities to place the complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the proposed Computer-Based Test (CBT) model for NEET-UG before the public.

The NTA has proposed shifting NEET-UG to a CBT format from next year as part of broader examination reforms. However, FAIMA argued that the detailed implementation blueprint has not yet been made public, making it difficult for students and stakeholders to understand the proposed changes.

The Bench took note of the submission while continuing to examine the broader issues relating to examination security and institutional reforms.

Focus on Transparency and Student Confidence

The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered widespread debate over the security of competitive examinations in India. The issue affected lakhs of medical aspirants and raised concerns about the credibility of the country's largest entrance examination.

The Supreme Court's observations underline the need for systemic reforms instead of emergency responses after irregularities occur. By seeking regular updates from the Centre and indicating that it will monitor the implementation process, the Court signalled its intention to ensure that examination reforms are institutionalised rather than remaining temporary measures.

The proposed transition to a computer-based examination system, along with enhanced security protocols and transparent operating procedures, is expected to form a significant part of the government's future strategy for conducting NEET.

As the matter continues before the apex court, students, educational institutions, and policymakers await the Centre's detailed action plan, which is expected to outline the roadmap for creating a secure, technology-driven, and transparent examination system capable of restoring confidence among millions of NEET aspirants across the country.

When the answer key is expected
The National Testing Agency is expected to release the provisional UGC NET June 2026 answer key before July 25, 2026, on the official portal, ugcnet.nta.nic.in (also accessible via ugcnet.nta.ac.in). Alongside the answer key, NTA also releases each candidate's individual question paper and recorded response sheet.

How to download it
Visit the official website, click the "UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key" link under Latest Announcements, and log in using your application number along with your date of birth or password, plus a security PIN. Once logged in, the provisional answer key, question paper and response sheet will appear on screen — download and save all three as PDFs for your records.

How to calculate your probable score
The marking scheme is straightforward, with no negative marking involved anywhere. Candidates get 2 marks for every correct answer, zero marks for incorrect answers, and zero marks for questions left unattempted. Total score is simply the number of correct answers multiplied by 2.

Qualifying marks
To qualify for UGC NET, candidates need to clear both papers together and reach the minimum aggregate percentage required for their category — 40 percent for General category candidates, and 35 percent for reserved category candidates.

How to raise an objection
If you spot what you believe is an incorrect answer, wrong question ID, or factual error in the provisional key, you can challenge it through the official portal. Log in using your credentials, select the disputed question, upload supporting academic evidence or references, and pay the required objection fee. The objection window typically stays open for only three to four days after the provisional key is released, so candidates should act quickly rather than wait.

Objection fee and rules
Each objection costs ₹200 per question, payable only online via debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI. The fee is strictly non-refundable, even if your objection is ultimately accepted. Challenges submitted without the fee, or through any mode other than the official online portal, are automatically rejected. Objections can only be raised against the provisional answer key — once the final key is released, no further challenges will be entertained on any question.

What happens after objections close
NTA reviews all valid objections through its subject-matter experts and revises answers where warranted before publishing the final answer key, which cannot be challenged again. Based on previous years' patterns, the UGC NET Result 2026 is expected around the first week of August 2026, roughly 15-20 days after the objection window closes, with the scorecard and final answer key released alongside the result.

What candidates should do now
Download your response sheet and provisional answer key the moment they're released, calculate your probable score using the simple formula above, and if you find a genuine discrepancy, gather your supporting documentation and file your objection well before the window closes — waiting until the last day risks technical delays that could cost you the challenge altogether.

The Congress on Sunday intensified its attack on the BJP-led Central Government over recurring examination paper leaks, claiming that more than 152 paper leak incidents have taken place across the country since 2014, affecting nearly 7.5 crore students and their families.

Addressing a press conference in Raipur as part of the nationwide 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign, Leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh Assembly Dr. Charan Das Mahant described the paper leak crisis as a "national epidemic" and accused the Centre of failing to protect the future of millions of aspirants.

Mahant said the campaign, launched under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, aims to raise the issue of examination irregularities from the streets to Parliament. He alleged that repeated paper leaks have shattered the confidence of students preparing for competitive examinations after years of hard work.

The Congress leader claimed that aspirants spend years preparing for government jobs, while only a small fraction secure employment. He also alleged that question papers of major examinations, including NEET, IIT-JEE, and several state recruitment tests, were sold for lakhs of rupees, citing public claims and media reports.

Mahant further referred to the reported suicide of a student from Jagdalpur, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and uncertainty had increased stress among students.

Questioning the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Congress accused the Centre of failing to ensure transparency and accountability in competitive examinations. The party also criticised the government for allegedly not taking strict action against those involved in paper leak cases.

During the press conference, Congress reiterated its demands for stringent action against paper leak accused, compensation for affected students, transparent recruitment processes, and reforms to restore confidence in the country's examination system.

A student of Delhi Public School (DPS), Varanasi, Aryan said his dream of becoming a doctor was shaped much earlier than his board examinations. According to him, the decision was made while he was studying in Class 9, giving him a clear academic goal that guided his preparation over the following years.

Rather than relying on shortcuts or memorisation, Aryan focused on building strong conceptual understanding in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He believes mastering concepts made it easier to solve complex questions during the examination and reduced dependence on rote learning.

His preparation routine remained disciplined throughout the last two years. Aryan studied for nearly eight to ten hours daily, balancing coaching classes with self-study. He reportedly devoted additional time to revising previously completed topics and solving mock tests to improve both speed and accuracy.

Speaking about his strategy, Aryan said consistency mattered more than studying for extremely long hours on a few days. He maintained a structured timetable, revised regularly and analysed mistakes made during practice tests before moving on to new topics. Music also helped him remain focused during long study sessions, according to accounts of his preparation journey.

Family support played a significant role in his success. Reports said his parents encouraged him throughout the preparation phase and ensured he had an environment suitable for focused study. Aryan has acknowledged that emotional support at home helped him stay motivated during the demanding preparation period.

The NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted after an earlier paper was cancelled following the nationwide paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) later held the re-examination before announcing the final results. More than 11 lakh candidates qualified this year, with Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana jointly securing AIR 1.

Aryan's achievement has drawn attention across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Varanasi, where educational institutions and coaching centres have praised his performance. His success has also become a source of inspiration for students preparing for highly competitive medical entrance examinations.

Sharing advice for future aspirants, Aryan emphasised that students should avoid comparing themselves with others and instead focus on strengthening their own fundamentals. He suggested revising consistently, solving previous years' question papers and maintaining confidence throughout the preparation journey.

With AIR 7, Aryan is now expected to secure admission to one of India's premier government medical colleges during the upcoming counselling process. His achievement highlights how long-term planning, conceptual clarity and disciplined preparation continue to be key factors in succeeding in one of the country's most competitive entrance examinations.

 Indore student Aradhya Garg has secured All India Rank (AIR) 110 in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, emerging as the city's top performer. In the General category, he secured AIR 85, marking one of the best performances from Madhya Pradesh in this year's national medical entrance examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the NEET-UG 2026 results on Thursday night. (The Times of India)

Around 20 lakh candidates appeared for the examination across the country, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other undergraduate medical courses. Madhya Pradesh alone had nearly 1.18 lakh aspirants, who appeared at 283 examination centres spread across 30 districts. (The Times of India)

Consistent Preparation Paid Off

Aradhya's father, Yogi Garg, said his son remained focused despite the uncertainty surrounding the examination after the original NEET-UG 2026 test was cancelled. According to him, Aradhya had scored over 700 marks in the previous attempt and secured 690 marks in the re-examination despite a tougher question paper.

He said Aradhya followed a disciplined routine, attending coaching classes from morning until night and regularly discussing preparation strategies at home. Consistency, regular practice and time management played a crucial role in his success.

Meditation Helped Maintain Focus

Yogi Garg, who is a yoga expert, said meditation formed an important part of Aradhya's preparation. Daily meditation sessions helped improve concentration and manage exam-related stress. Aradhya was also part of his coaching institute's merit batch, where he underwent focused preparation for the competitive examination.

Re-Exam Conducted After Cancellation

The original NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 was cancelled following the paper leak controversy. The NTA conducted the re-examination on June 21 across 551 cities in India and abroad through 5,440 examination centres in 13 languages. Counselling for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and allied medical courses is expected to begin shortly. (The Times of India)

Online NEET from 2027

Following the paper leak controversy, the Centre has announced that NEET-UG will shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format from 2027. While the examination mode will change from offline to online, the syllabus, question pattern and marking scheme will remain unchanged. Candidates will also be provided mock tests and practice sessions before the transition. (Wikipedia)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has declared the results of the Re-NEET UG 2026 examination, with Raipur's Shiprak Goyal and Charvi Agrawal emerging as the joint state toppers from Chhattisgarh. Both candidates secured an impressive 99.99 percentile in the medical entrance examination.

Shiprak Goyal secured All India Rank (AIR) 117, while Charvi Agrawal achieved AIR 136 in the Unreserved (UR) category. Although both candidates earned the same percentile, their national ranks differ due to the NTA's tie-breaking criteria.

'Treated It Like Any Other Exam'

Speaking after the results, Shiprak Goyal said he approached the re-examination with a calm mindset.

"I considered it just like any other regular examination. If you treat it as something extraordinary, the pressure increases and mistakes become more likely during the test," he said.

Consistency More Important Than Long Study Hours

Sharing his preparation strategy, Shiprak said that studying for extremely long hours is unnecessary.

He believes that eight to ten hours of focused study every day over two years is sufficient to perform well in competitive examinations, rather than exhausting oneself with marathon study sessions.

Family and Teachers Motivated Me

Referring to the re-examination following the cancellation of the earlier NEET UG test, Shiprak admitted that appearing again was emotionally challenging.

However, he credited his family, teachers and friends for helping him regain confidence and stay motivated.

"There was definitely fear, but worrying doesn't change the outcome. My job was to prepare and appear for the exam. The final result is beyond our control," he said.

Around 45,000 Candidates Appeared in Chhattisgarh

Approximately 45,000 candidates appeared for the Re-NEET UG 2026 examination across Chhattisgarh.

The exam was conducted at 127 centres statewide, including 25 centres in Raipur, under strict security arrangements as per NTA guidelines.

Candidates were allowed entry only after multiple levels of verification and security checks.

Scorecards Available Online

Candidates who appeared for the June 21 Re-NEET UG 2026 examination can download their scorecards from the official NTA website using their application number and password.

Meanwhile, the NTA has extended the deadline for the NEET UG 2026 examination fee refund process to July 31. Candidates who appeared in the original May 3 examination and are eligible for a refund must submit their bank account details through the online portal before the deadline.

According to the NTA, nearly 11.46 lakh candidates have already submitted their banking details for the refund process.