NTA cancels NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3 after 'paper leak'; Centre orders CBI probe

The new dates will be notified shortly.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the medical entrance test the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2026, conducted on May 3, citing inputs from Central agencies and investigative findings by law enforcement agencies that cast doubt on the integrity of the examination process. The NTA has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry.

In an official statement, the NTA said the decision was taken after inputs. “On the basis of the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the Central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and in order to ensure that there is transparency in the system, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately,” the statement said. 

The agency said the government has “decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations therein,” and pledged full cooperation, including handing over all materials, records, and technical data.

“This decision has been taken in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests. The agency is conscious that re-conduct will cause real and significant inconvenience to candidates and their families. The NTA does not take that consequence lightly. The decision has been taken because the alternative would have caused greater and more lasting damage to that trust,” the NTA said.

The move comes after a controversy broke out on allegations of a paper leak that emerged days after the examination. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group, which has been probing the matter, reportedly found a handwritten set of questions with approximately 90 Biology and 30 Chemistry questions bearing close similarities to the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper. Investigators are examining whether the breach originated at a printing facility in Jaipur and spread to multiple cities, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Dehradun, and locations in Kerala. At least 15 individuals have been questioned so far.

No fresh registration
The NTA said existing registration data, candidature records, and examination centres from the May 2026 cycle would be carried forward to the re-conducted examination, with no fresh registration required and no additional fee to be levied. Fees already paid will be refunded, and the re-exam will be conducted using the agency's internal resources.

The agency urged candidates and parents to rely solely on official NTA channels for updates and to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media. Fresh examination dates and the revised admit card schedule will be announced separately.

NEET-UG is India’s single national entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, and allied health science courses, with over 22 lakh candidates registered for the 2026 cycle.