Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Announces Tough Measures to Address NEET-UG Irregularities Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the Jagran Bharat Education Conclave 2026 on Friday, May 22, 2026, to outline the government’s response to the recent controversies surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG. The minister emphasized that the government had to make "tough decisions" after irregularities were uncovered in the exam’s conduct, which had led to allegations of a widespread "examination mafia." He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the re-test, scheduled for June 21, is "100% error-free" and that no deserving student should lose their rightful seat due to systemic flaws. The NEET-UG, a critical examination for admissions to undergraduate medical courses, was held on May 3, 2026, but was subsequently canceled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) following reports of paper leaks and other misconduct. The National Investigation Agency (CBI) has been probed the matter, with authorities seeking to determine the extent of the irregularities. Pradhan stated that the decision to cancel the exam was made after findings indicated that "some assessments had been compromised," highlighting the gravity of the situation. The minister acknowledged the significant emotional toll on students, noting that approximately 22 lakh candidates had experienced "mental anguish" due to the controversy. He expressed empathy for their plight, stating, "Twenty-two lakh children have gone through immense mental anguish. Understanding that anguish and taking responsibility, I am saying this today, we had to take some tough decisions.#national_testing_agency #national_investigation_agency #dharmendra_pradhan #jagran_bharat_education_conclave_2026 #union_education_minister
