Dharmendra Pradhan assesses NEET UG 2026 arrangements during visit to NTA headquarters
New Delhi, May 3
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan conducted a visit to the headquarters of the National Testing Agency to assess the on-ground readiness for the NEET UG 2026 examination being held today.
During the visit, the Minister oversaw key operational aspects, including examination logistics, coordination with the centres, and monitoring systems put in place to conduct the test seamlessly across the country. Officials briefed him on measures taken to handle the large number of candidates and maintain discipline at examination venues.
The NEET UG 2026 examination is being conducted by the National Testing Agency for nearly 23 lakh registered candidates. The test is being held at centres across the country under strict protocols.
NEET UG continues to be one of the largest undergraduate entrance examinations in India. It serves as the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other allied medical programmes across institutions in the country.
Earlier, the Union Education Minister reviewed the availability, printing, and distribution of textbooks published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for the ongoing academic session, according to the Ministry of Education press release.
During the meeting, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy Sanjay Kumar and senior officials from the Ministry of Education and NCERT were present.
The Minister assessed stock positions across States and Union Territories and reviewed coordination with state authorities and distribution agencies to ensure timely delivery, particularly in rural areas, added the release.
Pradhan also reviewed the preparation of upcoming NCERT textbooks, directing officials to ensure adequate printing and availability ahead of demand.
Emphasising that no student should face inconvenience due to delays, he instructed officials to strengthen supply chains, enhance printing capacity where required, and closely monitor last-mile delivery, added the release.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The focus on textbook distribution and rural areas is commendable. Many students in small towns still don't get NCERT books on time. Pradhan ji's instruction to monitor last-mile delivery is exactly what we need. Hope this translates into real action. Education is the backbone of our nation! 💪
Good that they reviewed printing capacity and supply chains. But why does this always happen right before exams? Every year there's last-minute chaos at some centres. The NTA should have a permanent monitoring system, not just a visit when elections are near. Just saying, transparency matters. 🤔
Finally someone is acknowledging the rural-urban divide in textbook distribution! As someone from a village in UP, I remember waiting for months for NCERT books. Pradhan ji's instructions on last-mile delivery give me hope. Let's see if the ground reality matches the press release. 😊
NEET UG is such a high-stakes exam—23 lakh students vying for limited seats! While the minister's visit is reassuring, what about the mental health of these kids? We need counselling support at centres, not just logistical checks. Also, please ensure no technical glitches this time. 🙏
The textbook distribution review is the real news here. NCERT books are the foundation for millions of students, especially in government schools. But why are we always playing catch-up? Shouldn't printing and distribution be done months in advance? Hope this becomes a regular practice, not just election season jumla. 🇮🇳