In a dramatic move affecting lakhs of medical aspirants across India, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 following allegations linked to a leaked “guess paper” and possible large-scale malpractice.
The decision came after central agencies and law enforcement authorities shared inputs with the NTA, indicating that the integrity of the country’s biggest medical entrance examination may have been compromised. The Government of India has now handed the matter over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed inquiry.
NTA Says Exam “Could Not Be Allowed to Stand”
In its official statement, the NTA said the cancellation was approved by the Government of India after reviewing investigative findings and intelligence inputs received from multiple agencies.
“The present examination process could not be allowed to stand,” the agency said, adding that the move was necessary to preserve transparency, fairness, and public trust in the national examination system.
Sources linked to the investigation said the controversy revolves around an alleged “guess paper” circulated before the examination, with Rajasthan emerging as a key focus area in the probe. Authorities are now examining whether organised networks were involved in leaking or distributing exam-related material before the test.
CBI Probe to Investigate Leak Network
The Centre has directed the CBI to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. The federal agency is expected to investigate the source of the leak, possible financial transactions, and whether coaching operators or middlemen played a role in the circulation of exam content.
The NTA said it would extend full cooperation to investigators by providing records, digital data, candidature details, and other examination-related material.
The development once again raises serious questions over exam security in India, especially for high-stakes entrance tests like NEET, which determine admission into medical colleges across the country.
Re-Exam to Be Conducted, No Fresh Registration Needed
The NTA has confirmed that NEET UG 2026 will be conducted again on fresh dates that will be announced soon through official channels.
To reduce inconvenience for students, the agency clarified that candidates will not have to register again. Existing candidature details and exam centre preferences from the May 2026 cycle will automatically be carried forward.
The agency also said no additional examination fee would be charged and that fees already paid by students would be refunded. Fresh admit cards will be issued ahead of the re-examination.
Anxiety Among Students, Pressure on the System
The cancellation has left lakhs of students and parents anxious, particularly after months of preparation. Many aspirants now face uncertainty over revised schedules, counselling timelines, and admission processes.
However, officials argue that allowing a compromised examination to continue would have caused deeper damage to trust in the system.
Students have been advised to follow only official NTA communication channels and avoid unverified claims or rumours circulating on social media platforms.
