NEET (UG) 2026 Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Allegations

The NEET (UG) 2026 examination has been cancelled following serious allegations of a paper leak. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has ordered a re-test and confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will investigate the matter. This decision comes after the Rajasthan Police detained 15 individuals linked to the suspected malpractice. Investigators are tracing the origins of the leaked question bank, which is believed to have circulated among students. The NTA had previously assured that the exam was conducted under strict security protocols. Further details regarding the new exam dates will be announced soon.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 13:48 IST

NEET (UG) 2026 Examination Cancellation

File image of NEET-UG aspirants outside an examination centre. (Photo: @StigmabaseU/X)

New Delhi, May 12: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination, which took place on May 3, due to rising concerns over a potential paper leak. This decision follows the detention of 15 individuals by the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) in connection with the alleged malpractice.

The NTA has also confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will conduct a thorough investigation into the claims surrounding the examination.

In an official announcement, the NTA stated that this decision was made with the Government of India's consent to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the national examination system.

According to the NTA, the cancellation was based on information reviewed in collaboration with central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement. The agency emphasized that the current examination process could not be upheld.

Details regarding the new examination dates and the re-issuance of admit cards will be communicated through official channels shortly.

NEET (UG), the largest medical entrance exam in India, was conducted on May 3 for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical programs nationwide.

This cancellation follows the arrest of 15 suspects by the Rajasthan Police SOG, including an alleged mastermind named Manish from Jaipur.

Investigators believe that the leaked question bank may have originated from Sikar district in Rajasthan, which is now a focal point of the investigation.

There are indications that Rakesh Mandawaria, who operates SK Consultancy on Piprali Road in Sikar, may have been instrumental in disseminating the alleged question bank, which is thought to have been accessed as early as April.

A student from Churu, currently studying MBBS in Kerala, reportedly received a PDF version of the question bank from Sikar.

The leaked questions are believed to have circulated in various locations, including Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Dehradun, with printed copies allegedly distributed among students.

Investigators are working to trace the full extent of the suspected operation and uncover the financial aspects related to the distribution and sale of the alleged leaked exam materials.

It is noteworthy that the NTA had previously defended the integrity of the examination, asserting that NEET (UG) 2026 was conducted under stringent security measures, including GPS tracking of question paper transportation, unique watermark identifiers, and AI-assisted CCTV monitoring at exam centers.