NTA has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after alleged question paper leak findings linked to Rajasthan and other states. The Centre has ordered a CBI inquiry, while fresh examination dates and revised admit card schedules will be announced separately.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 12 announced the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, following allegations of a question paper leak and findings shared by central law enforcement agencies. The Government of India has also ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter.
The decision comes after NTA stated that investigative inputs and materials examined in coordination with central agencies indicated that “the present examination process could not be allowed to stand.” The agency said fresh examination dates and revised admit card schedules will be announced separately through official channels.
In continuation of its press release dated 10 May 2026, the National Testing Agency wishes to inform candidates, parents, and members of the public of the following decisions taken in respect of NEET (UG) 2026. NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration…
— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) May 12, 2026
According to reports, the controversy intensified after investigators in Rajasthan reportedly found that a “guess paper” circulating before the examination contained significant overlap with the actual NEET-UG 2026 question paper. Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) reportedly identified more than 100 matching questions in circulated materials, leading to searches, detentions, and expansion of the investigation into multiple states.
Media reports said the alleged leak trail extended beyond Rajasthan, with investigative agencies examining links in Uttarakhand and Maharashtra as well. Officials reportedly began examining suspicious PDF documents and circulated question sets shortly after the examination was conducted.
NTA stated that registration details, candidature, and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle will remain valid for the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration process will be required, and no additional examination fee will be charged. The agency further said fees already paid by candidates would be refunded.
The cancellation has affected nearly 22 to 24 lakh medical aspirants across the country and has triggered widespread concern among students and parents regarding the integrity of national-level examinations. Several political leaders and student groups have demanded accountability and structural reforms in the examination system.
The development has also revived comparisons with the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, when allegations of paper leaks and irregularities had reached the Supreme Court. However, at that time, the apex court had declined to order a nationwide re-examination after reviewing investigation reports.
NTA has advised candidates and parents to rely only on official announcements and avoid unverified information circulating on social media. Further details regarding the revised examination schedule are awaited.
