The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 for more than 22 lakh candidates following allegations of a question paper leak and large-scale irregularities.
The agency stated that the decision was essential to ensure transparency and preserve the credibility of one of the country's largest entrance examinations for undergraduate medical admissions.
The controversy surrounding the country's biggest medical entrance examination has now escalated into a nationwide issue, with the matter being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.
Re-Exam Date Soon?
Following the cancellation, lakhs of students are now waiting for clarity on the revised examination schedule. NTA said fresh dates for the re-examination, along with revised admit cards, will be announced separately.
The NTA has confirmed that there will be no fresh application process for candidates appearing in the re-examination. It also said that the examination fee already paid by students will be refunded.
The development comes after allegations of malpractice involving a “guess paper.” The paper allegedly matched around 120 Chemistry questions and showed many similarities in the Biology section with the actual NEET UG 2026 paper.
ALSO READ: NTA Cancels NEET UG May 2026 Exams Over Paper Leak, Re-Examination Dates To Be Announced Soon
As per reports, the paper had supposedly been available in coaching centres at Sikar, Rajasthan, nearly a month before the exam. It was allegedly offered for sale to aspirants for as high as Rs 7.3 lakh.
Arrests And Investigation
Rajasthan's Special Operations Group carried out raids and questioned several individuals in connection with the alleged leak, reported NDTV.
The alleged 'mastermind', Manish Yadav, has been detained in Jaipur as the probe expanded across three states.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also taken into custody Shubham Khairnar (30), a resident of Nandgaon in Maharashtra's Nashik. He was picked up from Indiranagar area of the city, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirankumar Chauhan.
ALSO READ: Who Is Shubham Khairnar? Student Bought NEET-UG Paper For Rs 10 Lakh, Sold For Rs 15 Lakh — Reports
CBI Probe Underway
The CBI is now examining the alleged paper leak, the circulation of the “guess paper,” and the network involved in the suspected malpractice across multiple states.
With the probe underway, over 22 lakh candidates continue to await further announcements regarding the revised examination schedule and admit cards.
Students Voice Concern
The allegations of malpractice and the subsequent cancellation have triggered anxiety and uncertainty among aspirants, many of whom had spent years preparing for the examination. Several students have expressed disappointment over the cancellation and the uncertainty surrounding the fresh examination dates.
Speaking to NDTV, Sudhanshu, a first-time NEET aspirant, said he had expected to score more than 650 marks in the examination. His centre was in Palamu, Jharkhand, while he had been preparing in Patna for the past two years.
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