THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 12: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 following allegations that the question paper had been leaked ahead of the May 3 examination.
The examination, which is the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India, will now be re-conducted on fresh dates to be announced separately.
NTA Cites Integrity Concerns Behind Cancellation
The NTA said the decision was taken to ensure transparency in the examination and evaluation process and to maintain public trust in the system. The agency added that the move had received approval from the Government of India.
Lakhs of students appear for the NEET UG examination every year.
“On the basis of inputs subsequently examined by the National Testing Agency and investigative findings shared by law enforcement agencies, the NTA, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3,” the agency said in an official statement.
The agency further stated that its review had established that the examination process “could not be allowed to stand.”
CBI Probe Ordered Into NEET UG Paper Leak Allegations
The Centre has handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation. The NTA said it would fully cooperate with the probe and provide all necessary records and assistance.
In a statement issued in continuation of its May 10 press release, the NTA said the matter had already been referred to central agencies on May 8 for independent verification and necessary action.
According to the agency, investigative findings and inputs received from law enforcement authorities indicated that the integrity of the examination process had been compromised.
Student Protests Erupt in Delhi
The cancellation triggered protests by student organisations in several parts of the country.
One such protest, organised by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, was held near Shastri Bhawan, the headquarters of the Union Education Ministry in central Delhi.
Student groups demanded accountability and strict action against those involved in the alleged leak.
Fresh Exam Dates and Admit Cards Soon
The NTA said revised examination dates and details regarding fresh admit cards will be announced through official channels in the coming days.
The agency acknowledged that reconducting the examination would cause inconvenience to students and parents but maintained that the decision was necessary to protect the credibility of the national examination system.
No Fresh Registration Required
The NTA clarified that registration data, candidature details, and examination centres selected by candidates for the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward for the re-conducted examination.
“No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be charged,” the agency said.
It also announced that fees already paid by candidates will be refunded, while the re-examination will be conducted using the agency’s internal resources.
Candidates and parents have been advised to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding the revised examination schedule and admit cards and to avoid unverified information circulating on social media.