NEET UG 2026: Dharmendra Pradhan in action regarding NEET exam, NTA said- ‘Students should avoid rumours, helpline is open 24 hours’

New Delhi: The Central Government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) are fully prepared for the NEET-UG exam which is going to be held again on June 21 for admission to medical courses (MBBS/BDS). Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a high-level review meeting on Thursday, in which the strategy to conduct the examination in a completely transparent, safe and fair manner was discussed.

It is noteworthy that the NEET exam held on May 3 this year was canceled on May 12 following allegations of paper leak, which is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Strict instructions from Education Minister in high-level meeting

This very important meeting, organized in hybrid mode (online and offline), was attended by 222 senior officials of the Ministry of Education, State Governments, NTA and higher educational institutions. In the meeting, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made it clear that the highest standards of honesty, transparency and efficiency will have to be maintained in the examination process at all costs.

Special officers deployed by the Ministry will visit all the states and coordinate the examination arrangements and report directly to the control room headed by the NTA Director General.

Nodal officers of the state governments have been instructed to ensure all necessary facilities for the students at the centers so that they can take the examination without any mental pressure.

School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and NTA Director General Abhishek Singh were also present in this meeting, who informed about the preparations for the multi-layered security grid along with the district administration, intelligence agencies and state police.

NTA appeals to candidates

Just three days before the exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a special and sensitive message to lakhs of candidates across the country. NTA has asked students to completely reject misleading news and rumors on social media like postponement of exams.

The agency gave these special mantras to the students

NTA said that lakhs of students have worked hard day and night for this examination. Now is the time not to pay attention to rumours, but to have faith in your preparation. This time unprecedented security arrangements have been made to maintain the sanctity of the examination. Any kind of irregularities or attempts at copying will be dealt with strictly. For any timeline or information related to the exam, students should only rely on the official website of NTA.

Mental health helpline available 24 hours

NTA acknowledged that the previous experience was difficult for the students, but the system has now been further strengthened. If any student is feeling mental pressure or stress at this time, he can contact the government helpline number 14416 round the clock and seek expert help. Along with this, an appeal has also been made to the parents to provide a positive environment to the children.