Archive · 2 Aug 2026
India Considers GRE-Style System to Fix NEET Exam Crisis
India had a big test called NEET‑UG that lets students go to medical school.
The test was canceled because a paper was leaked and people were upset.
Many students were waiting to take it, so protests and arrests happened.
The government said they would change how the test is done, and a new team led by Nandan Nilekani was set up.
The writer thinks using a system like the GRE, which is very secure, could fix the problem.
This would let students take a new test that is harder to cheat on.
The plan also lets students try the test again if they want a better score.
The goal is to make the exam fair and safe for everyone.
NEET-UG exam scheduled for May 3, 2026, was canceled on May 12 after a paper leak.
Over 2.27 million students were set to take the exam, leading to widespread protests and legal action.
National Testing Agency officials were arrested and the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast‑track courts and a task force led by Nandan Nilekani to overhaul the exam system.
The author proposes adopting a GRE‑style, technology‑driven model to prevent future leaks and restore trust.
- Who
- National Testing Agency officials, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nandan Nilekani
- What
- NEET-UG exam canceled after a paper leak; proposal to adopt a GRE‑style system
- When
- Exam scheduled May 3, 2026; canceled May 12, 2026; article published August 2, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent leaks, improve security, and restore student trust
- Exam
- NEET-UG
- Scheduled date
- May 3, 2026
- Canceled date
- May 12, 2026
- Applicants
- 2.27 million
- Key figures
- Dharmendra Pradhan, Nandan Nilekani, Narendra Modi