The National Testing Agency has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 following allegations that a “guess paper” with around 410 questions circulated before the medical entrance test held on May 3.
More than 22 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, which was later withdrawn amid scrutiny over possible irregularities and a widening investigation involving central and state agencies.
Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group said the material in question contained roughly 410 questions, of which about 120 were alleged to have appeared. More than 100 questions from biology and chemistry together showed “striking similarities” with the actual paper.
Officials have described the material as a “guess paper," while the NTA has used the narrower language of “alleged malpractice” and “alleged irregularities” rather than formally calling it a paper leak.
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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
Probe widens as NTA sends case to CBI
NTA said it received inputs about the matter on May 7 and escalated them to central agencies the next morning for verification.
The agency added it would “not pre-judge the inquiry, nor characterize its likely outcome,” while saying the “present examination process could not be allowed to stand.”
The case has since been handed to the CBI, and fresh exam dates are expected to be announced through official NTA channels.
Watch | Nashik: Kiran Kumar Chavan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nashik City, said, "A request was received from the Rajasthan Police this morning. The accused in question involved in the NEET case has been taken into custody by the Crime Branch. We will hand him over to the… pic.twitter.com/BWH5lhQ4ls
— United News of India (@uniindianews) May 12, 2026
Student arrest puts leak trail under scanner
Hindustan Times reported that a Nashik medical sciences student, Shubham Khairnar, was arrested in connection with the case after police said he had obtained a physical copy of the guess paper and forwarded a soft copy to another person.
Another HT report said investigators believe the document originated from a Churu-based MBBS student studying in Kerala and was then moved through Rajasthan, including Sikar, before spreading via coaching networks and WhatsApp groups.
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#WATCH लखनऊ: NEET-UG 2026 परीक्षा रद्द होने पर उत्तर प्रदेश कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष अजय राय ने कहा, "यह सरकार सिर्फ़ व्यापार और चोरी में लगी है और लोगों का भविष्य बर्बाद कर रही है। मेरी बेटी ने भी यह परीक्षा दी थी। पीएम मोदी ने पेट्रोल-डीज़ल बचाने और सोना न खरीदने की बात कही थी। पहले… pic.twitter.com/uQrQ8DhRar
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) May 12, 2026
Opposition targets Centre after exam cancellation
The cancellation triggered a sharp political backlash.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the “hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP regime.”
In another post, he said students were left with “paper leaks, government negligence, and organized corruption in education,” adding that they would again face “mental stress, financial burden, and uncertainty.”
