NEW DELHI: NEET (UG) 2026 examination has been officially cancelled, following allegations of a question paper leak. The decision was approved by the Government of India and announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It will impact nearly 10 lakh medical aspirants, who will now have to reappear for the medical entrance test. The NEET (UG) 2026 exam was conducted nationwide on May 3, 2026. However, concerns began to surface after reports particularly from Rajasthan suggested that the question paper had allegedly been accessed before the exam.
Following this, the NTA initiated a review on May 8 and referred the matter to central agencies for further verification. Based on the inputs received and findings shared by law enforcement, the agency concluded that the integrity of the examination had been compromised. In response to the seriousness, the Government of India has directed a comprehensive probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The premier investigative agency examined all aspects of the alleged leak, including the possible involvement of organized networks. The NTA assured full cooperation with the CBI.
NTA to conduct Re-Examination
To uphold transparency and restore trust in the examination system, the NTA has decided to re-conduct NEET (UG) 2026. Fresh dates for the exam, along with a revised admit card schedule will be announced soon through official channels. Importantly, the agency has clarified:
- No fresh registration will be required
- Existing candidature and exam centre choices will remain valid
- No additional exam fee will be charged
- Fees already paid will be refunded to students
- NTA Acknowledges Student Concerns
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
In its official statement, the NTA acknowledged that the decision would cause “real and significant inconvenience” to students and their families. However, it emphasized that allowing the compromised exam to stand would have caused “greater and more lasting damage” to the credibility of the system. NTA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair, secure, and transparent examination process, which is critical for maintaining public trust.
Candidates and parents have been advised to rely only on official updates from the NTA and avoid misinformation circulating on social media. All announcements regarding the re-exam will be communicated through the agency’s official platforms.
For more details related to exam, candidates can contact on email: neet-ug@nta.ac.in and Phone: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700
As the news broke, social media platforms especially X were flooded with reactions from students, parents, and educators. Thousands of users began sharing their concerns, experiences, and demands for accountability.
BIG BREAKING:
NTA's Major Decision: NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled; Re-examination to be held.— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) May 12, 2026
NEET UG 2026 की परीक्षा रद्द की गई। पेपर लीक की आशंका के चलते NTA ने परीक्षा रद्द की। सरकार ने मामले की CBI जाँच के आदेश दिए। https://t.co/GJGVaJFcuc
— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@JournoAshutosh) May 12, 2026
#BREAKING National Testing Agency cancels NEET UG 2026, re-exam dates awaited https://t.co/MbsGoGGKdF
— Mahalingam Ponnusamy (@mahajournalist) May 12, 2026
Several hashtags related to NEET cancellation and paper leak are trending, with aspirants expressing a mix of frustration, anxiety, and relief.
