Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday, June 21, 2026, appealed to nearly 22 lakh students appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination to take the test confidently and without fear. Addressing candidates shortly before the examination began, the Minister encouraged students to stay calm and assured them that they would perform well.
The NEET-UG 2026 re-exam is being conducted after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the original examination held on May 3 following allegations of a paper leak. The government had later handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed inquiry.
Dharmendra Pradhan Extends Best Wishes to NEET Aspirants
Ahead of the re-examination, Mr. Pradhan said students should avoid stress and focus entirely on the examination process. He also expressed confidence in all institutions and authorities involved in conducting the exam smoothly across the country.
The Union Education Minister stated that he had full faith in the National Testing Agency, State Governments, district administrations, members of the education fraternity, and the students themselves.
“Today, around 22 lakh students are going to sit for NEET after a short while. They should sit fearlessly and free of anxiety. They will certainly do well. My many good wishes to the students,” he said.
The remarks came at a time when lakhs of medical aspirants across India were preparing to appear for one of the country’s most competitive entrance examinations.
Minister Emphasises Students’ Mental Well-Being
During his remarks, Mr. Pradhan repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting students from unnecessary stress and emotional pressure before the examination.
Appealing to people to act responsibly, he urged everyone not to engage in activities or make statements that could negatively affect the mental health of candidates.
“Please do not play with the future of India’s new generation. Do not do anything that will impact the mental health of children. After a few hours, children are going to appear for the examination,” he said.
The Minister further reiterated his appeal and said that the future of students should not become a subject of controversy or public disruption.
“I appeal that we must not play with the future of India’s new generation. No one should make it a joke. Nothing should be done that impacts the mental health of children. In a few hours, students are going to appear for the examination,” he said.
His comments reflected concerns over the emotional strain experienced by students after the cancellation of the earlier examination and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding the re-test.
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Comments Target “So-Called Responsible People”
Without mentioning any individual or organisation directly, Mr. Pradhan also criticised certain people for allegedly creating additional anxiety among students a day before the examination.
According to the Minister, some “so-called responsible people” acted with “wrong intention” on Saturday, June 20, 2026, which affected children ahead of the examination.
He appealed to such individuals to act responsibly and avoid causing further distress to students.
“At least if you are responsible, if you consider yourself a true citizen of India, if you represent the people of India, please take responsibility and do not give any more distress to the children,” he said.
The Minister’s remarks came amid continued public discussion and scrutiny surrounding the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination process after allegations of irregularities surfaced earlier this year.
Background of the NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination
The National Testing Agency had originally conducted the NEET-UG 2026 examination on May 3, 2026. However, allegations of a paper leak later emerged, leading to widespread concerns regarding the integrity of the examination.
Following the controversy, the NTA cancelled the examination. The government subsequently directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
The decision to conduct a re-examination was announced after the cancellation, with Sunday, June 21, 2026, fixed as the date for the fresh test.
NEET-UG is one of India’s largest entrance examinations and serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country. The re-exam therefore carries major importance for lakhs of students aspiring to pursue medical education.
Confidence in Institutions Conducting the Exam
Mr. Pradhan’s remarks also highlighted the government’s confidence in the mechanisms put in place for the re-examination. By expressing trust in the NTA, State Governments, district administrations, and the education fraternity, the Minister sought to reassure students and parents ahead of the test.
The emphasis on conducting the examination in a peaceful and stress-free atmosphere underscored the significance of ensuring fairness and stability during the re-exam process.
With approximately 22 lakh candidates appearing for the examination, authorities across different states were involved in managing examination centres, security arrangements, and administrative coordination.
Conclusion
As the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination commenced on Sunday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged candidates to remain fearless, calm, and focused. Stressing the importance of safeguarding students’ mental health, he appealed to people not to create unnecessary anxiety around the examination.
The re-exam follows the cancellation of the May 3 test amid allegations of a paper leak and an ongoing CBI investigation. With lakhs of students once again appearing for the examination, the focus remained on ensuring a smooth and fair process for medical aspirants across the country.
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