NTA Cancels NEET UG 2026 Exam Held on May 3 After Paper Leak Allegations; CBI Probe Ordered
New Delhi, May 10: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, following allegations of a paper leak and reported irregularities.
The decision comes after inputs from central agencies and law enforcement authorities, with the Government of India also approving a fresh examination to be conducted on revised dates.
According to the official announcement, the matter was reviewed after coordination with investigative agencies, which flagged concerns about the integrity of the examination process. The NTA said the exam “could not be allowed to stand” in its current form, leading to its cancellation.
The controversy had been under scrutiny since early May, when reports of suspected malpractice and leaked or “guess paper” content surfaced. Investigations were escalated to central agencies on May 7–8, and the Centre has now ordered a detailed probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged leak and related irregularities.
The agency has assured students that no fresh registration will be required for the re-exam. Existing application data, exam centres, and candidature details will be carried forward. Candidates will also not be charged any additional fee for the re-test, and refunds will be issued for fees already paid.
The NTA further stated that new exam dates and revised admit card details will be announced shortly through official channels. It urged students and parents to rely only on verified updates and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
Acknowledging the disruption caused, the agency said the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining fairness, transparency, and public trust in the national examination system. It added that continuing with the compromised process would have caused “greater and more lasting damage” to credibility.
The NEET UG exam is one of India’s largest entrance tests for medical admissions, with lakhs of aspirants appearing each year, making the cancellation a major development affecting students nationwide.
