The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026 after confirmation of a paper leak and malpractice. The decision, announced on 10 May 2026, has affected more than 22 lakh students who appeared for the exam across 5,400 centres in 551 Indian cities and 14 international locations.
The cancellation was approved following inputs from law enforcement and central agencies confirming irregularities in the examination process. The Government of India has ordered a CBI probe into the paper leak case.
Investigations by the Rajasthan SOG found that question papers had been circulated before the exam, and the leaked sets matched the actual NEET paper. Two alleged masterminds, Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandavriya, were arrested in connection with the case.
The NTA announced that a re-examination will be conducted soon, and students will not need to register again or pay any additional fee. The agency also confirmed that the exam fees will be refunded.
