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Synopsis:
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of a “guess paper” leak that triggered concerns over exam integrity. The government has ordered a CBI probe into the reported irregularities. The exam will be re-conducted on new dates, with candidates not required to register again or pay additional fees.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3 and announced that it will conduct the test again on new dates. The decision follows allegations that a ‘guess paper’ circulating before the exam closely matched the actual question paper, triggering a nationwide controversy.
The agency said the move was taken to protect the integrity of the examination system. Nearly 22.79 lakh students had appeared for the medical entrance test in India and abroad.
In an official statement, NTA said the cancellation was made after inputs from central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities.
“On the basis of inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, 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,” the agency said on X.
Leak Allegations Trigger Nationwide Probe
The controversy began when investigators flagged a question set allegedly circulated weeks before the exam. Officials said the material contained around 410 questions, with nearly 120 from chemistry reportedly matching the actual paper.
Authorities also found that parts of the content were being shared on WhatsApp groups just hours before the exam. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) launched an investigation after noticing similarities between the circulated material and the exam paper.
SOG ADG Vishal Bansal said the case is still under investigation.
“Our investigation is currently focused on determining whether any cheating or criminal activity has occurred based on this guess paper”, he said, adding that no arrests have been made so far.
The government has now handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed probe.
Exam to Be Re-Conducted Without Fresh Registration
Despite the cancellation, NTA clarified that students will not need to register again. Existing applications, exam centers, and candidature details will be carried forward.
“No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied”, the agency said, adding that fees already paid will be refunded.
The agency also assured that revised dates and admit card details will be shared through official channels.
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Political and Student Reactions
The decision triggered strong reactions from student groups and political leaders. NSUI workers staged protests in Delhi, demanding accountability over alleged exam irregularities.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticized the system, calling the incident a failure of governance.
“The NEET 2026 exam has been cancelled. The hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of over 22 lakh students have been crushed”, he said on X.
He further claimed that repeated paper leak cases have damaged trust in the examination system, adding that lakhs of students will again face stress and uncertainty.
What Happens Next?
NTA has assured full cooperation with the CBI investigation and said it will provide all necessary records. The re-conducted exam dates will be announced soon.
Officials said students and parents should rely only on official updates and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.