The NEET UG 2026 exam cancelled decision has sent shockwaves across the country after the National Testing Agency (NTA) confirmed that the medical entrance examination held on May 3 could not be allowed to stand due to suspected paper leak and malpractice concerns. Around 22 lakh students had appeared for the exam, making it one of the largest competitive examinations in India.
Authorities stated that the NEET UG 2026 exam cancelled move was taken after reviewing inputs shared by law enforcement agencies, which indicated that the examination process may have been compromised. The NTA emphasized that maintaining transparency and fairness in the national testing system was the priority behind this decision.
Rajasthan Police Probe Finds Major Match Between “Guess Paper” and NEET UG 2026 Question Paper
According to preliminary investigations by Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group, a handwritten “guess paper” circulating before the exam reportedly matched a significant portion of the actual question paper. Around 140 questions, accounting for nearly 600 marks out of 720, were found similar, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the exam.
The Government of India has now handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a detailed probe into how the leak occurred. Officials suspect that the leak may have originated during the printing stage, with possible involvement of organized groups.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled; Fresh Test to Be Conducted Without Re-Registration or Extra Fees
The NTA also confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 exam cancelled decision will be followed by a fresh examination, with new dates to be announced soon. Importantly, students will not need to re-register, and their candidature details will be carried forward. Existing exam centres will remain valid, and no additional fees will be charged.
In Rajasthan alone, over 45 individuals have reportedly been detained in connection with the investigation. The National Testing Agency stated that while the NEET UG 2026 exam cancelled decision may cause inconvenience to students, continuing with a compromised examination would have been more damaging in the long term.
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Officials have urged students to rely only on official updates and avoid misinformation circulating on social media. With the NEET UG 2026 exam cancelled and a re-exam expected soon, aspirants now face the challenge of adjusting their preparation strategy while awaiting new dates.
The controversy has once again highlighted concerns about examination security in India, especially for high-stakes tests like NEET. Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken to preserve the credibility of the system and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.