NEET 2026 Cancelled Over Paper Leak; Re-Exam Dates Soon, No New Registration Required

On May 12, 2026 the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET UG 2026 examination. The decision came after joint inputs from NTA and central agencies regarding alleged malpractice and paper leak allegations. The exam will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately by the agency. The cancellation affects approximately 22.79 lakh students who appeared for the exam.

NTA received information about alleged malpractice on May 7, four days after the exam concluded. The matter was immediately escalated to central agencies on May 8 for independent verification and necessary action. 

NTA stated the decision was taken to maintain transparency and preserve trust in the national examination system. The government has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry.

Why NEET 2026 Was Cancelled?

Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) discovered a document containing around 410 questions circulating among students. Searches were conducted across multiple cities in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand as part of the investigation. Investigators found that over 120 questions from Chemistry and Biology sections matched the actual NEET paper exactly. The material was allegedly shared through WhatsApp groups as recently as 42 hours before the exam. 

About a dozen persons have been detained for questioning. Officials described the circulated material as a "guess paper" or test series. However, investigators are examining whether this represents a larger organized cheating network. The probe is ongoing to determine the extent of the irregularities and involvement of any criminal elements.

Read More: NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Allegations: NTA Issues Statement as 140 Questions Match Circulated 'Guess Paper'

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

Re-NEET 2026 Registration and Fee

The revised examination dates and admit card release schedule will be communicated through official NTA channels in the coming days. Candidates are advised to check only official sources for updates and ignore unverified claims on social media. The NTA has set up a dedicated helpline for student queries.

Re-NEET 2026 will be re-conducted using NTA's internal resources without any additional cost burden. Candidates should monitor their registered email addresses for refund status updates.

Registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted exam. Candidates will not need to submit fresh registrations or pay additional examination fees. All fees already paid will be refunded to students, and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA's internal resources.

According to the Press Release released by NTA, “The registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied. In addition, fees already paid, will be refunded to the students and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA's internal resources.”

Read More: Re-NEET 2026 Exam Live Updates: Fresh Dates, Registration Details and more

NTA Press Release on NEET UG 2026 Cancellation

CBI Investigation Ordered for Comprehensive Inquiry

The Government of India has decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI will conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the paper leak allegations. According to the official statement, "NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires."

NTA will share all examination-related data and technical assistance with the CBI. The comprehensive investigation aims to identify the source and network behind the alleged leak. This step demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining examination integrity.

Candidates, parents, and stakeholders are advised to await further updates regarding the revised examination schedule. All communications, including re-conducted examination dates and re-issued admit card schedules, will be issued through official NTA channels. Candidates and parents are requested to rely only on official channels and disregard unverified reports circulating on social media.

The Ministry of Education approved the cancellation decision to ensure the examination maintains its credibility and fairness. NTA will announce fresh examination dates through its official website, neet.nta.nic.in and social media channels. Candidates should monitor these official platforms for updates on the re-conduct schedule and admit card issuance.

Historical Context: NEET 2024 Controversy and Exam Integrity

NEET UG 2024 witnessed a major paper leak controversy leading to protests nationwide. That incident led to protests, court cases, and CBI investigations, severely impacting public trust in national-level entrance examinations. Although the Supreme Court ruled there was no evidence of a "systemic breach" large enough to cancel the entire 2024 examination, the episode prompted stricter security measures for 2026.

The 2024 incident prompted stricter security measures for 2026 including GPS tracking and biometric verification. Despite enhanced security, fresh allegations have emerged, raising concerns about examination integrity. This pattern highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining secure examination systems.

Impact on NEET 2026 Counselling and Medical Admissions

NEET UG 2026 Counselling typically begins 4-6 weeks after the results are declared. The re-exam will delay the entire admission timeline for medical colleges across India. Students should expect counselling to commence later than originally scheduled.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will announce the counselling dates after new exam results. State counselling authorities will also adjust their schedules accordingly. Candidates must stay updated on the official MCC and state counselling portals.

For any queries or clarifications, candidates can contact NTA through the official helpline: neet-ug@nta.ac.in or call 011-40759000 / 011-69227700. The agency has urged candidates to verify all information only from official sources to avoid confusion caused by misleading social media posts and unverified claims.

What Happens Next?

The Re-NEET UG 2026 exam will determine admissions to undergraduate medical programmes across India including MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS courses. Candidates should use the time gap to review their preparation and stay updated on official announcements. The cancellation, while disappointing, ensures that the examination maintains its integrity and fairness for all 22.79 lakh aspirants competing for medical seats.