NEET UG 2026 Cancelled After Rajasthan Paper Leak Allegations, CBI Probe Ordered

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 after allegations of a major paper leak linked to Rajasthan. The Centre has now ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation as concerns grow over the integrity of one of India’s biggest entrance exams.

What happened

• NTA cancelled NEET UG 2026 following alleged ‘guess paper’ leak reports
• Around 22 lakh students had appeared for the examination
• The government ordered a CBI investigation into the alleged malpractice
• Over 45 people have reportedly been detained in Rajasthan so far
• Authorities suspect the leak may have originated during the printing stage

Why the exam was cancelled

According to NTA, inputs from law enforcement agencies indicated the examination process may have been compromised. Officials said continuing with a potentially leaked paper would damage trust in the national testing system.

Investigators are examining two possible leak routes:

• Leak during question paper printing
• Possible involvement linked to the paper setter

What NTA said about the re-exam

NTA confirmed that a fresh NEET UG 2026 examination will be conducted soon.

Key details announced:

• No fresh registration will be required
• Existing application data will remain valid
• Previously selected exam centres will continue
• No additional examination fee will be charged
• Fees already paid will be refunded
• Fresh admit cards will be issued before the new exam

Why it matters

NEET is one of India’s largest and most competitive entrance exams. Any breach in exam security directly impacts fairness for lakhs of medical aspirants and raises serious questions about examination integrity and system accountability.

What changes

• Students will now need to prepare again for the re-exam
• Security measures around national examinations may tighten further
• Authorities could introduce stricter monitoring at printing and distribution stages
• Public scrutiny of exam conducting agencies is expected to increase

Who is affected

• Over 22 lakh NEET UG aspirants
• Parents and coaching institutions
• Medical colleges and admission authorities
• NTA and examination administration bodies

What to watch next

Students are now waiting for the announcement of fresh examination dates. Meanwhile, the CBI investigation is expected to focus on identifying the source of the leak, possible organised networks involved, and lapses in exam security procedures.