Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a high-level review meeting on Thursday (June 18, 2026) with senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Education, state governments, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and higher education institutions. The objective of the meeting was to take stock of the preparations for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21.
Addressing the meeting, Union Education Minister Pradhan emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and efficiency in the examination process and directed all concerned officials to remain vigilant and fully prepared. Education Minister Pradhan urged officials to ensure that necessary arrangements are made to conduct the re-examination fairly and smoothly.
Highlighting the importance of coordination at all levels, the Education Minister stated that officials appointed by the Ministry would visit all states to coordinate activities related to the re-examination process and report to a command center headed by the Director General (DG) of the NTA.
Education Minister asked the nodal officers appointed by state governments to ensure that students receive all necessary facilities
The Education Minister asked the nodal officers appointed by state governments to ensure that students receive all necessary facilities so they can appear for the re-examination in a stress-free environment.
According to the Ministry of Education, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy; Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; and Abhishek Singh, Director General, NTA, also attended the meeting.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, stated that students should be made to feel completely at ease before the exam by providing all necessary facilities, such as proper seating arrangements and drinking water. He urged the nodal officers of state governments to take appropriate steps in this regard.
Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, remarked that the period between now and the date of the re-examination is crucial. He emphasised the need for proactive coordination, the timely issuance of instructions, and strict adherence to all established rules.
NTA Director General Abhishek Singh stated that the NTA is collaborating with all stakeholders, including district-level coordination committees chaired by District Magistrates, state police departments, and intelligence agencies, to ensure the smooth conduct of the re-examination.
Detailed discussions were held regarding exam preparations, coordination mechanisms, security protocols, logistical arrangements, grievance redressal processes, and adherence to examination guidelines. States and Union Territories were advised to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the re-examination is conducted transparently and without any disruptions.
A total of 222 participants attended the meeting, which was held in a hybrid mode. Attendees included senior officials from various states and Union Territories, nodal officers from centrally funded institutions, and Vice-Chancellors and Directors of higher education institutions across the country.
They pledged their full cooperation and expressed readiness to take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination and a hassle-free experience for the candidates. The NEET examination held last month was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak; subsequently, officials announced that the re-examination would be conducted on June 21.
