NEET UG 2026 cancelled over paper leak allegations, NTA orders re-exam

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday (May 12) cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, after allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities triggered scrutiny from state and central agencies. The Centre has also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to undertake a comprehensive probe into the matter.

Re-examination announced

The entrance examination, held for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India, will now be conducted again. Fresh dates for the re-examination will be announced separately, the agency said.

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In a statement issued on X, the NTA said the decision had been taken after reviewing inputs received from multiple agencies and after consultations with central authorities. It said the step was necessary to uphold transparency and preserve public confidence in the integrity of the national examination process.

"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, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately," the agency said.

Grounds for cancellation

The NTA said the information received, when assessed alongside investigative findings, made it clear that the "present examination process could not be allowed to stand."

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"The re-conducted examination dates, along with the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be communicated through the official channels of the Agency in the coming days," it added.

The agency further stated the government had decided to hand over the matter to the CBI for a detailed inquiry into the allegations linked to the conduct of the examination.

"NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires," it added.

Students’ records retained

Calling the move necessary despite the disruption it would cause, the agency said, "This decision has been taken in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests."

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The NTA acknowledged that conducting the examination again would cause "real and significant inconvenience" to candidates and their families, but said allowing the process to continue would risk "greater and more lasting damage" to institutional credibility.

It said registration details, candidature records, and examination centre preferences submitted for the May 2026 cycle would remain valid for the fresh examination. "No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied," the statement said. Candidates were advised to rely only on official updates issued by the agency.

Protests in Delhi

Meanwhile, protests erupted in parts of the national capital following the cancellation announcement. Workers and student members of the National Students' Union of India gathered near Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, raising slogans against the alleged paper leak and demanding accountability from authorities.

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The demonstration came amid growing anger among students and parents, with protesters calling for strict action against those responsible for any malpractice linked to the examination process.

(With agency inputs)