NEET UG 2026 Examination Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Scandal

The NEET UG 2026 examination has been cancelled due to allegations of a paper leak, prompting significant concern among students. The NTA has committed to rescheduling the exam and ensuring accountability for those involved in the malpractice. Protests have erupted, demanding reforms in the examination process. As investigations unfold, students await further updates on the new exam date and admit cards. This situation highlights ongoing issues within the examination system, raising questions about integrity and oversight.

By Ambika Singh May 13, 2026, 10:18 IST

NEET UG 2026 Cancellation Announcement

In a significant development, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 examination due to serious allegations of a paper leak. This decision has been made in light of the rising concerns among countless students, and the NTA has confirmed that the exam will be rescheduled.

NTA's Firm Stance on Malpractice

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh has taken a strong position regarding the paper leak, emphasizing that all individuals involved, whether insiders or outsiders, will face consequences. He urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take action against those responsible, ensuring that such incidents are permanently eliminated.

Reasons Behind the Exam Cancellation

The NTA clarified that after reviewing inputs from various sources and investigative agencies, it was determined that proceeding with the examination was not feasible. Consequently, the decision to cancel NEET UG 2026 was made, with further details about the new exam date and re-examination process to be announced soon.

Emerging Details of the Paper Leak

Recent investigations suggest that the NEET paper leak may have connections to Nashik, alongside earlier reports linking it to Kerala. Sources indicate that the initial digital version of the NEET paper was created in Nashik and subsequently distributed to various solver groups across the country. The CBI is currently focusing on a dozen individuals involved in this case.

Protests Erupt Following Cancellation

In response to the cancellation of NEET UG 2026, the Students' Federation of India (SFI) organized protests against the NTA. SFI leader Aishe Ghosh criticized the ongoing issues of irregularities and paper leaks in NEET examinations, calling for the dismantling of the NTA due to its failure to address these problems effectively.

Students Await New Examination Schedule

With the cancellation now official, students are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the new examination date and the issuance of fresh admit cards. The NTA has assured that updates will be provided through official channels soon, as they continue to work alongside investigative agencies to address the paper leak situation.

Investigation into Cheating Allegations

Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of the Rajasthan SOG, stated that the investigation is being conducted thoroughly. He mentioned a 'guess paper' containing around 410 questions, with approximately 120 of those appearing in the Chemistry section of the actual exam. The focus is now on determining if any cheating or criminal activities occurred related to this guess paper, with the investigation still ongoing.