National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 after allegations of a large-scale paper leak sparked outrage among students, parents and coaching institutes across the country. The agency has announced that a fresh examination will now be held, with revised dates expected soon.
The cancellation follows mounting pressure on authorities after reports suggested that exam-related material had been circulated before the test through organised networks operating across multiple states.
How The Controversy Began
The first complaints reportedly emerged from Rajasthan and Bihar, where investigators began probing suspicious circulation of NEET-related question banks through WhatsApp groups and private channels.
Students and coaching institutes also flagged “prediction papers” that allegedly matched a significant portion of the actual examination paper. As the investigation expanded, authorities started examining claims that some candidates may have received access to questions hours before the exam.
Kerala-Sikar Connection Under Scanner
According to reports, investigators found links between the suspected leak network and both Kerala and Rajasthan’s Sikar district.
Officials suspect that an MBBS student in Kerala, originally from Churu in Rajasthan, shared a question bank containing nearly 300 questions via WhatsApp with a friend running a paying guest accommodation in Sikar. When investigators compared the material with the original NEET paper, nearly 150 out of 180 questions reportedly matched.
The Sikar-based operator allegedly circulated the material among students staying at the PG facility, after which it spread further through social media groups and educational networks.
Interestingly, the same individual later reportedly filed a complaint with police and the NTA, prompting investigators to examine whether the move was an attempt to avoid suspicion.
Rajasthan SOG And CBI Probe
Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group launched a detailed probe into the alleged leak. According to officials, investigators recovered a “guess paper” containing nearly 410 questions, with around 120 questions allegedly matching the Chemistry section of the actual examination.
Authorities claim the material had been circulating for nearly a month before the exam.
The Central Government has now handed over the case to Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged leak network and examination irregularities.
Why NTA Cancelled The Exam
Initially, there was debate over whether action should be limited to specific examination centres. However, as evidence suggesting large-scale circulation of leaked material surfaced, authorities concluded that the integrity of the examination could no longer be guaranteed.
The NTA stated that continuing with the current examination process would have caused “greater and more lasting damage” to public trust in the national examination system.
The decision affects lakhs of medical aspirants across India and is expected to delay counselling schedules, admissions and the beginning of the academic session.
What Happens Next?
The NTA has clarified that students will not need to register again for the re-examination. Existing application data and exam centre preferences will automatically be carried forward.
Fresh exam dates and admit cards are expected to be announced soon through official channels.
Meanwhile, investigating agencies are likely to expand the probe further, with digital forensic analysis, arrests and scrutiny of individuals linked to the alleged paper leak network expected in the coming days.