NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Orders Re-Exam Amid Massive Paper Leak Row

New Delhi | May 12, 2026 — In a move that has sent shockwaves across the country, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3. The decision, approved by the Ministry of Education, comes after mounting evidence suggested that the integrity of the medical entrance test was compromised by a widespread paper leak.

The government has handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to uncover the depth of the conspiracy, while over 24 lakh students now face the daunting task of appearing for a fresh exam.

Why was NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled?

The controversy erupted shortly after the May 3 exam when reports of a “guess paper” began circulating in Rajasthan and Bihar. What initially seemed like a rumor quickly turned into a full-scale investigation by the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG).

Investigators reportedly recovered a 150-page PDF document containing over 400 questions, which were being sold to aspirants for prices ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹5 lakh. Upon comparison, authorities found a “substantial overlap” with the actual exam paper:

• Biology: Nearly 90 questions matched exactly.
• Chemistry: Approximately 30 questions were identical.

The NTA, which initially defended the exam’s security protocols (including GPS-tracked vehicles and AI-monitored CCTV), admitted that inputs received on May 7 and 8 made it impossible to maintain the “sanctity of the process.”

What Happens Next for Students?

For the 2.4 million aspirants who spent years preparing for this single day, the cancellation is a heavy emotional and academic blow. However, the NTA has outlined a clear roadmap for the re-conduct of the exam:

1. No New Registration Required

All candidates who were eligible for the May 3 exam are automatically eligible for the re-test. There is no need to fill out new forms or provide fresh details.

2. Examination Fee Refund

In a significant move, the NTA announced that the fees already paid by candidates will be refunded. The fresh examination will be conducted using the agency’s internal resources, ensuring no additional financial burden falls on the students.

3. Fresh Admit Cards

The previous admit cards are now void. The NTA will issue new admit cards with updated exam center details and dates through its official website: exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.

4. Valid Data

Your original registration data, candidature details, and city preferences will remain valid. The NTA aims to keep the logistical shift as minimal as possible for the students.

The CBI Investigation: Unmasking the Syndicate

The Government of India has opted for a CBI probe to ensure a transparent and unbiased inquiry. Early reports suggest the leak might have originated from a printing press or during the transit phase.

• Detentions: Over 45 individuals, including coaching operators and intermediaries, have already been detained in Rajasthan.
• Digital Trail: The “guess paper” reportedly traveled through WhatsApp groups 42 to 48 hours before the exam started.
• Scope: While the most concrete evidence surfaced in Rajasthan, the CBI will investigate potential links in other states to determine if the leak was localized or national.

Student and Political Reactions

The cancellation has sparked nationwide protests led by student organizations like the NSUI and ABVP. Protesters at the Ministry of Education have called for the resignation of high-ranking officials, citing a “repeated failure” of the NTA to conduct secure examinations.

Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, voiced his support for the aspirants, stating that the “auctioning of question papers” on social media has devalued the hard work of honest students.

“The decision to re-conduct the exam is necessary to protect the merit of genuine students. We understand the inconvenience, but a compromised system is a greater threat to their future,” an NTA official stated during the press briefing.