NEET-UG 2026 Exam Cancelled Over Leak Allegations; CBI Probe Ordered

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was conducted nationwide on May 3, 2026, has been officially cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) with the approval of the Government of India. This significant decision comes in the wake of mounting allegations of a paper leak and widespread irregularities in the conduct of the examination. The NTA has assured students that a fresh examination will be re-conducted, with new dates to be notified separately. Importantly, no fresh registration or additional examination fees will be levied from the affected candidates, and their existing registration details and chosen examination centers will remain valid for the re-conducted test. The controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026 intensified after reports emerged of a 'guess paper' being circulated prior to the examination, particularly in Rajasthan. Investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) initially brought to light allegations of a leak, with some reports indicating that a substantial number of questions, including entire sections like chemistry, from the circulated material closely matched those in the actual exam paper. Sources suggest that a 'guess paper' containing questions worth up to 600 out of 720 marks was reportedly passed among students. Allegations point to Jaipur as a suspected printing source and Sikar district in Rajasthan as a major hub for the circulation of this leaked material. The NTA confirmed that it received inputs regarding alleged malpractice on the evening of May 7, four days after the examination, and subsequently escalated these inputs to central agencies for independent verification. In a major development, the Union Government has decided to refer the entire matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry. This move underscores the seriousness with which the government is addressing the allegations and aims to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the national examination system. Over the past few days leading up to the cancellation, multiple detentions connected to the case were reported in the media, with over 45 people reportedly detained in Rajasthan alone. Investigators also recovered a handwritten "suggestion paper" in which around 120 questions reportedly matched the actual NEET paper. The cancellation has come as a blow to approximately 22 lakh (2.2 million) students who appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 examination, creating significant anxiety and uncertainty among aspiring medical professionals and their families across India. The decision was taken in the interest of these students and to maintain public trust in the examination system. The NTA, while not explicitly using the term 'paper leak' in its cancellation notice, acknowledged that the inputs received from central agencies and law enforcement findings established that the integrity of the examination process could not be allowed to stand. Student organizations and political figures had been demanding the cancellation of the exam and a thorough investigation into the alleged malpractices. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for instance, had alleged on social media that questions were circulated on WhatsApp 42 hours before the exam, affecting over 22 lakh students. He also highlighted past instances of paper leaks and re-exams, calling for accountability. The incident has once again brought the National Testing Agency's (NTA) ability to conduct transparent and foolproof examinations under intense scrutiny, raising critical questions about the security measures and operational protocols of such high-stakes national tests. The NTA had previously claimed to have implemented stringent security measures, including GPS-tracked vehicles, AI-based CCTV supervision, biometric verification, and 5G jammers, to ensure the integrity of the exam. The re-conducted examination dates, along with the schedule for re-issued admit cards, will be communicated through the official channels of the NTA in the coming days. Students are advised to regularly check the NTA's official website for the latest updates and avoid relying on rumors. This development marks a critical moment for India's medical education system, necessitating robust measures to restore faith in its competitive examination framework and safeguard the future of millions of students.

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