06 June,2026 07:31 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Sharad Pawar said the adoption of such technologies at an earlier stage would likely have prevented the issue altogether. File Pic
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said the use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the examination process could have prevented the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak, reported the PTI.
Speaking in Pune, Sharad Pawar said the situation might not have arisen if modern technological tools had been implemented earlier in the conduct of national-level examinations.
Pawar was addressing the launch of âTechnology on Wheels', an initiative of the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence under Vidya Pratishthan in collaboration with Sakal Media Group.
The programme aims to introduce students in rural and remote areas to emerging technologies and create awareness about opportunities in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, the news agency reported.
Responding to a question on whether AI could have helped prevent the NEET paper leak case, Pawar said the adoption of such technologies at an earlier stage would likely have prevented the issue altogether.
He also expressed confidence in the official currently handling the matter at the national level, describing the officer as capable and honest, and said the results of the ongoing efforts would become visible in the coming months.
The controversy relates to the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 3.
The examination was later cancelled following allegations of a paper leak and is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators have arrested several individuals in connection with the case, while a re-examination has been scheduled later this month.
The issue has also triggered political debate, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the Centre.
According to the PTI, Sharad Pawar said artificial intelligence has applications across multiple sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and education.
The former Union Agriculture Minister noted that AI has already brought significant advances to farming practices and stressed the need to expand its use across various fields to improve efficiency and productivity.
Highlighting the importance of technology education, Pawar praised the efforts of educational institutions working in rural and tribal regions of Maharashtra.
He said initiatives such as âTechnology on Wheels' would help bridge the digital divide by bringing technological knowledge directly to students who may not otherwise have access to such resources.
According to Pawar, the programme is expected to create new opportunities for young people and encourage greater participation in emerging technology sectors.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to familiarise students with artificial intelligence and digital tools while preparing them for future careers in a technology-driven economy, as per the PTI.
Sharad Pawar expressed confidence that the project would receive a positive response from students, particularly those studying in rural and tribal areas, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
