NEET Exam Cancelled, NTA Issues Notice; CBI to Conduct Investigation
New Delhi: According to the latest statement issued by the National Testing Agency, the NEET UG 2026 examination has been cancelled following allegations of an “estimated question paper” leak. The decision was taken after information received from central agencies raised concerns over the fairness of the examination held on May 3. With millions of students affected, the government has intervened by ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation probe and announcing a re-examination to restore confidence in the system.
Why Was NEET UG 2026 Cancelled?
According to the National Testing Agency, the decision was made after reviewing information received from law enforcement agencies. The findings indicated possible irregularities in the examination process.
In its official statement, NTA said that after considering all available evidence, it was not possible to continue with the examination process. It further stated that this step was necessary to maintain transparency and credibility in the national examination system.
CBI to Probe ‘Estimated Question Paper’ Leak, 45 Detained
The Government of India has handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a detailed investigation. The agency will examine how the alleged “estimated question paper” was circulated before the exam and whether there was any organized malpractice involved.
The NTA has stated that it will fully cooperate with the investigation by providing all necessary records, data, and materials.
So far, more than 45 people have been detained in connection with the NEET paper leak investigation in Rajasthan. Preliminary findings suggest that the leaked “estimated question paper” may have originated from a printing press, raising serious concerns over internal security lapses.
Sources indicate that a handwritten version of the question paper was circulated, pointing toward the possibility of leakage during the printing process.
NTA Statement on Re-Examination
The NTA has confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 examination will be conducted again, with new dates to be announced soon through official channels.
The agency also acknowledged that the re-examination would cause inconvenience to students and their families, but emphasized that allowing a compromised examination to stand would cause far greater long-term damage to trust in the examination system.