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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court of India that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from 2027, marking a major shift in the country's largest medical entrance examination.

The announcement was made through an affidavit submitted before a bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, which is hearing a batch of petitions related to the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak that led to the cancellation of the May 3 examination.

According to the affidavit, the transition to CBT mode follows recommendations made by a High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) constituted by the Ministry of Education in June 2024 under the chairmanship of K Radhakrishnan. The committee was tasked with proposing reforms to strengthen the integrity and transparency of national entrance examinations.

The NTA stated that NEET UG remains the only major examination conducted in pen-and-paper mode, while other large-scale entrance tests administered by the agency have already transitioned to digital platforms. The expert panel recommended moving NEET UG to CBT mode and introducing multi-stage and multi-session testing to enhance security and operational efficiency.

The agency informed the court that the Ministry of Education established a High-Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) in November 2024 to oversee the implementation of the HLCE's 101 recommendations. The committee has been responsible for ensuring structured, time-bound reforms across the national examination system.

Meanwhile, the re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026, will be conducted under a strengthened standard operating framework featuring multi-layer authentication, enhanced surveillance systems and coordination among multiple agencies. The NTA said these measures are intended to safeguard examination integrity and restore confidence among candidates.

More than 22 lakh students appeared for NEET UG 2026 across 5,432 examination centres. The agency emphasized that the cancellation of the original examination and referral of the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) demonstrate the government's commitment to maintaining trust and fairness in India's national examination system.

The transition to CBT mode is expected to be one of the most significant reforms in the history of the medical entrance examination, affecting millions of aspiring doctors in the years ahead.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) over allegations surrounding the board's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, claiming that answer sheets may have been scanned using mobile phones instead of professional scanning equipment.

The allegations are linked to CBSE's large-scale digital evaluation initiative for Class 12 examinations and have reignited debate over the board's tender process, data security measures and evaluation standards.

In a post on X, Gandhi cited concerns raised by student researcher Sarthak Sidhant, whose document-based investigation has drawn attention to alleged changes in the tender conditions related to the digitisation of answer books.

Rahul Gandhi Questions Changes in CBSE Tender Conditions

According to Gandhi, CBSE's initial tender issued in May 2025 reportedly required answer sheets to be scanned using automated robotic scanners, with preserved spines and a minimum scanning resolution of 300 DPI. However, he alleged that a revised tender issued later removed or diluted some of these technical requirements.

"CBSE's May 2025 tender required answer sheets to be scanned with automatic robotic scanners, spines preserved, at a minimum of 300 DPI. The tender re-issued in August quietly removed all of it," Gandhi wrote on X.

He further alleged that answer sheets were scanned using mobile phones after the revised conditions came into effect, claiming that issues such as blurred images, missing pages and incomplete scans may have resulted from the altered process.

Student Researcher Raises Concerns Over Scanned Answer Sheets

The controversy gained momentum after social media discussions involving Class 12 student researcher Sarthak Sidhant and ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary, who have both raised questions regarding the implementation of the OSM system.

Adhikary claimed that vulnerabilities in the online marking portal could potentially allow access to scanned answer booklets. Screenshots of answer sheets circulated online subsequently became a subject of scrutiny.

While examining some of the images, Sarthak pointed to visible drop shadows and fold marks appearing on certain scanned answer sheets. He questioned whether such characteristics would normally appear if professional document scanners had been used.

In a post on X, he asked whether the observed shadows and folds indicated that answer sheets may have been digitised using alternative methods rather than dedicated scanning equipment.

Questions Over Vendor Selection and Procurement Process

At the centre of the controversy are allegations related to the procurement process and the selection of the vendor responsible for digitising answer books.

Critics have alleged that technical eligibility criteria and security requirements were modified between the original and revised tenders. Some have questioned whether these changes influenced the awarding of the contract to private vendor COEMPT Edu Teck, which was tasked with digitising answer sheets for the OSM system.

Opposition leaders and student groups have argued that the procurement process should be examined to ensure transparency and accountability.

CBSE Digital Evaluation System Faces Scrutiny

The On-Screen Marking system was introduced as part of CBSE's efforts to modernise the evaluation process and improve efficiency through digital assessment.

However, recent allegations have led to broader discussions about data security, scanning quality, evaluation accuracy and the safeguards required when handling examination records affecting millions of students.

The controversy has also attracted attention from cybersecurity researchers, education activists and student communities who are seeking greater clarity regarding the implementation of the digital evaluation platform.

Allegations Yet to Be Independently Verified

The claims regarding mobile phone scanning, tender modifications and security vulnerabilities have been widely circulated on social media and amplified by opposition leaders. However, the allegations remain contested, and no official findings have yet been released publicly to conclusively establish the claims.

The developments have nevertheless intensified scrutiny of CBSE's digital evaluation process, with students, parents and education stakeholders closely watching for further responses from the board and concerned authorities.

Medical students across India may soon receive greater flexibility in completing their undergraduate training, as the National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed extending the maximum duration for finishing the MBBS programme from nine years to ten years.

The proposal has been outlined in a draft amendment to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), 2023. Under the revised provision, students will be allowed to remain enrolled in the MBBS programme for up to ten years from the date of admission, including the mandatory Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI). At present, students must complete the entire course within nine years.

The move is expected to provide relief to students whose academic journey may be disrupted by health issues, personal emergencies, family responsibilities, or other unforeseen circumstances. By allowing an additional year, the medical regulator aims to accommodate genuine cases of delay while ensuring that students have a fair opportunity to complete their professional education.

Notably, the NMC has not proposed any changes to the existing rule governing the First Professional MBBS examination. Students will continue to be restricted to a maximum of four attempts to clear the examination conducted at the end of the first academic year. Medical education experts believe that retaining this provision safeguards academic rigor and ensures that educational standards are not diluted despite the proposed extension.

The draft amendment has been published in the Gazette of India and placed in the public domain for consultation. The Nhttps://edinbox.com/index.php/council/allied-healthcare-gahc/6046-national-medical-commission-approves-6-850-new-mbbs-seats-for-2025-26MC has invited comments and suggestions from medical colleges, faculty members, students, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. Objections and recommendations submitted within 30 days of the notification will be reviewed before a final decision is taken.

The proposed revision comes nearly three years after the implementation of the competency-based Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which introduced the nine-year cap on MBBS completion.

Experts view the amendment as a balanced approach that recognizes the challenges faced by a small section of students while preserving the integrity of medical education. If approved, the revised regulation could offer much-needed flexibility without compromising the quality of training required for future doctors.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched one of its largest specialist recruitment drives of 2026, announcing 194 vacancies for Group A and Group B posts across multiple central government ministries and departments. The recruitment notification, released under Advertisement No. 05/2026, invites applications for a wide range of technical, scientific, academic and administrative positions, with the online application process open until June 12, 2026.

The recruitment drive covers 32 different job roles in departments linked to civil aviation, defence, culture, meteorology and scientific research. Among the key positions announced are Airworthiness Officer, Deputy Controller of Explosives, Scientist-B, Assistant Director, Training Officer and Associate Professor. The vacancies are aimed at strengthening technical expertise and specialist manpower within government institutions.

According to the notification, educational qualifications vary depending on the post. Some positions require bachelor’s degrees in engineering, science or related disciplines, while others demand master’s degrees, professional certifications or specialised academic backgrounds. Several posts also require prior work experience in relevant fields. Age limits for applicants range between 30 and 48 years, with relaxations applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government norms.

The salary structure differs across positions, ranging from Pay Level-6 to Academic Level-13A1 under the central government pay matrix. UPSC has stated that applicants must submit all documents online, including educational certificates, proof of date of birth, work experience certificates, passport-size photographs and signatures. Candidates will also be required to upload a live photograph while completing the application process.

The selection process will primarily involve shortlisting based on qualifications and experience, followed by interviews. For certain posts, UPSC may also conduct recruitment tests if the number of applications is high. The commission has prescribed minimum interview suitability marks of 50 for unreserved candidates, 45 for OBC candidates and 40 for SC, ST and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities categories.

Reservation policies for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities will apply in accordance with central government rules.

Recruitment experts believe the scale and diversity of this year’s UPSC specialist recruitment drive reflect the government’s increasing focus on strengthening technical and scientific capacity in critical sectors. The appointments are expected to support areas such as aviation safety, scientific research, meteorological services and heritage management.

At the same time, experts suggest competition for the posts is likely to remain intense due to the limited number of vacancies and the growing interest in stable, high-level government jobs among skilled professionals. Some analysts also note that future recruitment cycles may further evolve to attract niche talent in emerging technical fields if vacancies remain difficult to fill.

Four Chennai-based institutions have emerged among the top five most preferred government arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu for the 2026 admission cycle, reflecting continued student demand for established campuses offering strong academics, infrastructure and placement-oriented programmes.

Among 181 government colleges across the state, Presidency College has received the highest number of applications so far, recording 32,808 applications for 2,380 seats. The institution was followed by Government Arts College, Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College and Queen Mary’s College, making Chennai the dominant hub among the state’s most sought-after government colleges.

Officials said traditional arts and science programmes continue to attract strong interest from students despite the growing popularity of professional and skill-oriented courses. Among all programmes offered in government colleges, BA Tamil has emerged as the most preferred course this year. Offered in 154 colleges, the course has received more than two lakh preferences from applicants. BSc Computer Science and BCom (General) were the next most popular choices among students. Courses such as BA English, BBA, BSc Chemistry and BA Economics have also witnessed high demand.

Speaking about the continued popularity of Presidency College, principal R Raman said the institution remains one of the preferred destinations for students pursuing core science subjects including physics, chemistry and botany. He attributed the trend to the college’s long academic legacy, laboratory infrastructure and qualified faculty members.

“Presidency College still is one of the best colleges to study basic science programmes such as physics, chemistry and botany, along with Loyola College. We have the best lab facilities since the British period. All faculty members hold PhDs,” he said.

The college also offers hostel accommodation for more than 2,000 students and provides extensive co-curricular activities, factors that continue to attract applicants from different districts.

Meanwhile, Government Arts College, Nandanam has received over 25,000 applications for 1,430 seats this year. Principal D Thangarajan said the college has witnessed increased interest after becoming a co-educational institution two years ago. He added that course diversity and central location have further contributed to its popularity.

Tamil Nadu government arts and science colleges collectively offer around 1.25 lakh seats. According to admission data, the state has recorded 2,05,485 registrations so far, while 1,52,997 students have completed fee payment. Of them, 92,848 are girls, 60,086 are boys, and 63 transgender applicants have also registered.

The last date for submission of applications is May 29, while admissions are expected to begin in the first week of June based on merit lists released by the colleges.

University of Delhi has agreed to conduct a special examination for law students unable to appear for semester exams scheduled on May 28 due to the observance of Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid), following proceedings before the Delhi High Court.

The assurance was given on Tuesday during a hearing before Justice Jasmeet Singh in response to a petition filed by a sixth-semester law student challenging the university’s decision to hold examinations on the festival day.

Representing the university, counsel informed the court that students wishing to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha and skip the examination could notify the Dean of the Faculty of Law by Wednesday through email. The university stated that a separate examination for such students would be conducted after July 4.

Recording the submission, the court disposed of the petition and directed that the rescheduled examination date must be communicated to eligible students at least one week in advance.

The petition was filed by Saif Rashid Saeed, who argued that conducting examinations on Bakrid was arbitrary and unfair, especially after the Central government had declared May 28 a public holiday for Eid-ul-Azha.

The petitioner contended that the decision deprived Muslim students and others observing the festival of their right to peacefully participate in an important religious occasion.

Counsel for the petitioner also pointed out before the court that both the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court had declared a holiday on May 28 in view of the festival.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions in educational institutions regarding balancing academic schedules with religious observances and ensuring inclusivity in examination policies.

University officials clarified that only students who formally communicate their inability to appear for the exam due to Bakrid celebrations will be eligible for the special examination arrangement.