'Now We are Hoping that Under the PM, Paper Leak Would Not Happen': Congress MP Digvijaya Singh

New Delhi: A key parliamentary committee may recommend scrapping the traditional pen-and-paper examination system in favour of computer-based testing, as the fallout from the NEET-UG paper leak continues to put pressure all the way up to the Prime Minister's office (PMO).

"The PM is so miffed with the failures of Dharmendra Pradhan, that he has taken up all the responsibilities himself. Hence, it is their responsibility, we hope that it will be addressed... Now we are hoping that under the PM, paper leak would not happen," committee chairperson and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh said after a meeting, Deccan Herald reported.

The Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Singh, arrived at the broad consensus of suggesting the computer-based testing method for NEET-UG after summoning officials from the National Testing Agency (NTA), the education and health ministries, and representatives of the United Doctors Front.

The session focused on the vulnerabilities of the existing examination model and how computer-based testing might close the gaps. Most members present backed the shift.

The same committee last week also floated the idea of merging the IIT-JEE and NEET-UG into a single unified entrance exam for engineering and medical aspirants.

One member, however, noted that a detailed report had already been submitted to the government following the UGC-NET cancellation, triggered by a similar leak a few years ago and many of those recommendations were not implemented.

After the 2024 paper leak came to light, a seven-member committee headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan had also suggested transition to computer-based testing format.

Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Tuesday (June 2) extended the judicial custody of five accused in the paper leak case till June 15. The CBI has reportedly arrested 13 persons in connection with the case so far.

NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21, between 2 pm and 5.15 pm. Notably, this slot was chosen deliberately to make space for International Yoga Day celebrations in the morning hours, raising concerns over the welfare of lakhs of students required to sit for the examination during peak afternoon heat.

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