Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan assures smooth NEET retest, targets Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Hours before nearly 22.8 lakh candidates were to sit for the NEET-UG re-examination on Sunday, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan asked them to take the test “fearlessly and without tension” and assured them that it would be conducted successfully. Without naming Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Pradhan also accused “so-called responsible people” of acting irresponsibly and with “ill intentions” on the eve of the examination.“I have complete faith in NTA, all state governments, district administrations, the Indian education sector and, especially, India’s students,” Pradhan said. “Sit fearlessly, without worry, and you will definitely do well.”His remarks came a day after Gandhi attacked NTA over reports that a Nagpur aspirant had been allotted Abu Dhabi as his examination centre. Gandhi said the candidate had neither a passport nor the money to travel abroad and had cried through the night after downloading his admit card. He accused the agency of testing the patience of students and parents and asked the government to stop “gambling” with their future.NTA later rebutted the allegation, saying its digital records showed that Abu Dhabi had been selected through the candidate’s registered login during the correction window and the choice had been previewed twice. The agency said it contacted the candidate’s father after receiving a request on June 19 and shifted the centre to Nagpur.Referring to the controversy, Pradhan appealed to political leaders not to heighten anxiety among candidates hours before the examination. “Please do not jeopardise the future of India’s new generation. Let no one make a mockery of it. Let us not do anything that will impact the mental health of children,” he said.“If you consider yourself a true citizen and represent the people of India, please act responsibly. Don’t cause any further hardship or suffering to India’s children,” the minister added.The retest follows the cancellation of the May 3 examination over alleged irregularities and a paper leak, which are being investigated by CBI. It is being held under a multi-layered security network involving state administrations, police, paramilitary forces and central agencies.Pradhan also said CBSE’s post-result processes were nearing completion. Results for around 15.5 lakh of the approximately 17 lakh Class XII candidates had already been released, he said, adding that cases involving re-evaluation, reassessment and verification would be cleared shortly.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKolkata Airport Chaos: Mahua Moitra Questions How Armed Individual Entered Secure ZoneIndia Slams Pakistan Over Remarks On Internal Affairs, Says It Has No Locus Standi’Age Should Not Reduce Human Potential’: PM Modi’s Yoga Day Message’Shashi Tharoor Hears What PM Modi Does Not Say’: Congress Leader Khera Takes SwipeAkal Takht Releases Video Of Bhagwant Mann’s Appearance Before It Over Controversial VideoPM Modi Targets Cong, TMC, Left In Bengal: ‘When There Was Attempt To Make It Pakistan’s Part…’India’s Passport Ranking Improves, But How Strong Is It Really?’Atmanirbhar Navy’: PM Modi To Commission 3 Indigenous Naval Warships In Kolkata | Watch’Bring Back Pakistan To Grey List’: Owaisi To Modi Govt As India Gets FATF Vice PresidencyMaharashtra: 5 Dead, 17 Injured After Under-Construction Temple Roof Collapses In Parbhani123PhotostoriesWhy high heels were originally made for men, and how they became a women’s fashion stapleFather’s Day 2026: 7 thoughtful ways to make your dad feel special todayHow to create a perfect yoga friendly environment at your home7 ways to stop birds from pooping on your patio10 protein drinks Indians consumed before energy drinks existedWhat would you do? Someone secretly recorded me at the gym; 5 women share what happened nextFrom neon to navy: Inside Ranveer Singh’s surprising fashion evolution60-second money lesson: The kitchen challenge that can save you ₹2000 to ₹5000 a monthExclusive – Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’s Vishal Aditya Singh on returning to the show: ‘I come from a small town where life itself felt like a stunt, but KKK taught me discipline and focus’Success quote of the day by Michelle Obama: “Do not bring people into your life who…”123Hot PicksPetrol, diesel rateMilk price hikeIndia-US trade dealJIO IPODelih weatherGwalior-Prayagraj ExpressWeather forecast tomorrowIndane gas KYCKeir Starmer resignationTop TrendingNEET re examUS-Iran WarYoga Day 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Abhijeet DipkeDelhi weatherAbu Dhabi NEET rowUP Police Constable answer keyBengaluru blue line metroCJP protest
NEW DELHI: Hours before nearly 22.8 lakh candidates were to sit for the NEET-UG re-examination on Sunday, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan asked them to take the test “fearlessly and without tension” and assured them that it would be conducted successfully. Without naming Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Pradhan also accused “so-called responsible people” of acting irresponsibly and with “ill intentions” on the eve of the examination.“I have complete faith in NTA, all state governments, district administrations, the Indian education sector and, especially, India’s students,” Pradhan said. “Sit fearlessly, without worry, and you will definitely do well.”His remarks came a day after Gandhi attacked NTA over reports that a Nagpur aspirant had been allotted Abu Dhabi as his examination centre. Gandhi said the candidate had neither a passport nor the money to travel abroad and had cried through the night after downloading his admit card. He accused the agency of testing the patience of students and parents and asked the government to stop “gambling” with their future.NTA later rebutted the allegation, saying its digital records showed that Abu Dhabi had been selected through the candidate’s registered login during the correction window and the choice had been previewed twice. The agency said it contacted the candidate’s father after receiving a request on June 19 and shifted the centre to Nagpur.Referring to the controversy, Pradhan appealed to political leaders not to heighten anxiety among candidates hours before the examination. “Please do not jeopardise the future of India’s new generation. Let no one make a mockery of it. Let us not do anything that will impact the mental health of children,” he said.“If you consider yourself a true citizen and represent the people of India, please act responsibly. Don’t cause any further hardship or suffering to India’s children,” the minister added.The retest follows the cancellation of the May 3 examination over alleged irregularities and a paper leak, which are being investigated by CBI. It is being held under a multi-layered security network involving state administrations, police, paramilitary forces and central agencies.Pradhan also said CBSE’s post-result processes were nearing completion. Results for around 15.5 lakh of the approximately 17 lakh Class XII candidates had already been released, he said, adding that cases involving re-evaluation, reassessment and verification would be cleared shortly.
