NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Row, Re-Exam to Be Held
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was held on May 3, following serious allegations of a paper leak that raised questions over the fairness and credibility of the country’s largest medical entrance test.
The decision came after investigations by multiple agencies—most notably the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG)—pointed to major irregularities. Investigators flagged the circulation of a so-called “guess paper” that reportedly matched a substantial portion of the actual NEET-UG question paper.
In an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the NTA said it examined inputs from central agencies and law enforcement authorities. Acting on their findings, the Government of India approved the cancellation of the exam to uphold transparency and protect the integrity of the national examination system.
The NTA also confirmed that NEET-UG 2026 will be conducted again, with fresh dates to be announced separately.
The controversy surfaced after the Rajasthan SOG found that a guess paper, allegedly circulated via WhatsApp groups nearly 42 hours before the exam, bore a striking resemblance to the actual paper. According to reports, about 120 questions matched, including nearly 90 from Biology and around 30 from Chemistry, triggering widespread concern.
The revelations sparked nationwide outrage among medical aspirants and parents, with many demanding the cancellation of the exam and a fair re-test. NEET-UG is among India’s most competitive examinations, taken each year by over 20 lakh students aspiring for admission to MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical courses.
Earlier, the NTA had maintained that the May 3 examination was conducted under tight security, including GPS-tracked movement of question papers, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance at centres and multi-layered verification systems. However, as the investigation gained momentum and central agencies reviewed the findings, the agency reversed its stance and opted for cancellation.
The Union government has now handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed probe into the alleged leak and the possible involvement of organized networks. Authorities are also examining whether the breach was limited to certain regions or part of a larger interstate racket.
To reassure candidates, the NTA clarified that students will not need to re-register for the re-examination, as existing application data will remain valid. The agency said revised schedules and fresh exam dates will be announced soon on the official NTA and NEET websites.
While the cancellation brings temporary uncertainty for aspirants, authorities have said the move is aimed at ensuring fairness, credibility and trust in one of India’s most crucial competitive examinations.
