The National Testing Agency (NTA) has canceled the NEET-UG exam for the year 2026 after claims of paper leaks in association with Rajasthan, raising new concerns over the security of the countryâs biggest competitive exam.
The medical entrance examination, held on May 3 for lakhs of aspirants across the country, will now be conducted again after the Centre ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the âguess paperâ leak.
According to official statements, the decision was taken after inputs from law enforcement agencies indicated that the examination process may have been compromised.
NTA says exam integrity could not be maintained
In its statement, the NTA said the examination âcould not be allowed to standâ after reviewing evidence shared by investigating agencies.
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The agency stated that cancelling the examination was necessary to protect the credibility and transparency of the national testing system. The development has once again put examination security under scrutiny, especially after repeated controversies surrounding major recruitment and entrance tests in recent years.
Officials said the re-examination schedule will be announced through official NTA channels in the coming days.
CBI probe ordered into alleged âguess paperâ leak
The Government of India has now handed over the matter to the CBI for a detailed investigation.
The probe will focus on how the alleged âguess paperâ circulated before the examination and whether organised malpractice networks were involved in the process.
Authorities are also expected to investigate whether the leak was limited to Rajasthan or linked to a wider interstate network.
The NTA has said it will cooperate fully with the investigation by sharing examination records, digital data and related material required by the agency.
What happens next for students
The cancellation affects lakhs of medical aspirants who appeared for NEET-UG 2026 earlier this month.
According to the NTA, candidates will not need to register again for the fresh examination.
The agency confirmed:
Existing application data will remain valid
Previously selected examination centres will be retained
No additional fee will be charged
Examination fees already paid will be refunded
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Fresh admit cards will be issued before the re-exam
Officials also advised students to rely only on official announcements and avoid misinformation circulating online regarding examination dates and procedures.
Pressure mounts over exam reforms
This development is likely to spark more debate concerning changes in the examination system and methods of protecting information online in Indiaâs highly competitive examination system.
NEET is arguably one of the most competitive examinations in the country that helps students get admission into undergraduate medical programs in India. Experts in education have time and again raised concern about the possibility of losing public confidence in centralized entrance examinations due to ongoing allegations of leaks in examinations papers.
It seems that by calling for a re-examination and initiating an investigation by the CBI, the government has shown its willingness to deal firmly with examination malpractices.
