NTA cancels NEET UG 2026 amid paper leak allegations; re-exam dates to be announced soon
NEW DELHI,MAY 12 : The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3 amid allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities, and announced that the test would be conducted again on dates to be announced separately.
The Union Government has also referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.
In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken after examining inputs in coordination with central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities, which raised concerns over the integrity of the examination process.
“On the basis of the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026,” the agency said.
The NTA said the existing examination process “could not be allowed to stand” in the interest of transparency and fairness.
It further stated that the re-conducted examination schedule, along with revised admit card details, would be announced through official channels.
“The Government of India has decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations,” the statement said, adding that the agency would extend full cooperation to the probe.
Candidates, parents and other stakeholders have been advised to rely only on official communications from the NTA regarding the revised examination schedule.
In a post shared on ‘X’, NTA has informed registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conduct NEET. There will be no fresh registration, 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.”
-PTI
