The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET UG) 2026 following allegations of paper leaks. Students came out on the streets in Delhi and staged protests demanding action against those responsible.
Around 22 lakh students appeared for NEET UG 2026, which was conducted on May 3. Many students and parents had complained that the exam was not conducted fairly. Screenshots and alleged question papers started circulating on social media soon after the exam.
After reviewing the complaints and getting inputs from central agencies and police investigations, the government approved the cancellation of the exam. The NTA announced that NEET UG 2026 will be conducted again on new dates, which will be announced later.
"The National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately," the NTA wrote on X.
All About The Leak
The trouble began in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group found a handwritten suggestion paper whose questions matched the actual NEET paper; around 90 Biology questions and 30 Chemistry questions were identical.
Four days after the exam, NTA received information of foul play and immediately escalated the matter to central agencies.
In a detailed statement, the NTA said it had first referred the matter to central agencies on May 8 for investigation and verification after complaints began surfacing about possible leaks and unfair practices during the medical entrance exam.
"NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration to the central agencies for independent verification and necessary action, consistent with its standing commitment to the fair, secure, and credible conduct of the national examinations entrusted to it," NTA wrote on X.
Following the decision, members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) protested against the central government. They demanded accountability from officials responsible for the exam and called for a transparent and fair examination system.
The government has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a full investigation into the paper leak and other allegations. The NTA said it will fully cooperate with the probe.
NTA also clarified that students will not have to fill out the form again. Their registration details and exam centre choices from the earlier exam will remain valid for the re-test. No extra fee will be charged.
Fresh admit cards and the new exam schedule will be released soon through official NTA platforms. "Candidates and parents are requested to rely only on these official channels and to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media," the agency wrote.
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