NEET paper leak: Dharmendra Pradhan reviews re-exam preparedness, orders action against fake news

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to ensure strict security measures and smooth conduct of NEET re-exam. The meeting, attended by central security and intelligence agencies, reviewed arrangements being made for the examination. Senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the National Testing Agency (NTA) were also present. The discussions focused on identifying possible security gaps in advance and taking timely preventive steps to avoid any disruption.

Officials reviewed the overall preparedness for the examination and stressed the importance of maintaining a fair, safe and transparent process for students across the country.

In a separate meeting, representatives from major social media companies, including Meta, Google and Telegram, were asked to address the spread of false information related to competitive examinations.

Authorities expressed concern over the rise of fake paper leak claims and misleading posts being circulated online, especially



through Telegram channels and anonymous groups before major examinations. Officials said such content often creates fear, panic and confusion among students and parents.

According to intelligence inputs shared during the meeting, several suspicious online channels appear to be linked to a small number of phone numbers, suggesting organised activity behind the circulation of misinformation.

The Minister instructed agencies to take strict action against such networks. Pradhan called for the early identification and removal of channels spreading fake news, rumours and propaganda linked to examinations.

The Education Minister also stressed that social media platforms should work closely with the Ministry of Education, NTA and law enforcement agencies to curb misinformation quickly and protect the credibility of the examination system.

He said the government remains committed to protecting students from misleading information and maintaining public trust in the examination process.