NEET UG 2026 cancelled amid alleged ‘guess paper’ leak; CBI probe ordered

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination after allegations of a ‘guess paper’ leak raised serious concerns over the integrity of the medical entrance test conducted on May 3.

The decision was announced after central agencies shared inputs indicating that the examination process may have been compromised. Around 22 lakh candidates had appeared for NEET UG 2026, making it one of the largest entrance examinations in India.

The Government of India has now ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter and directed that the exam be conducted again.

Investigation underway

Authorities are examining two possible routes through which the paper may have been leaked. One line of investigation focuses on the printing stage, while another centers on the involvement of the paper setter.

The case has officially been handed over to the CBI for a detailed investigation into the alleged malpractice and the circulation of the ‘guess paper’ before the exam.

According to NTA, the cancellation decision was taken after reviewing findings provided by law enforcement agencies.

In its official statement, the agency said the exam “could not be allowed to stand” after assessing all available evidence. It added that the move was necessary to protect transparency and credibility in the national testing system.

Rajasthan detentions and leak concerns

More than 45 people have reportedly been detained in Rajasthan in connection with the investigation into the alleged paper leak.

Initial findings suggest that the leaked ‘guess paper’ may have originated from a printing press, raising concerns about internal security protocols.

Sources also indicated that a handwritten version of the question paper had been circulated, pointing toward a possible breach during the printing process.

The CBI will investigate how the alleged paper leak occurred and whether any organized network was involved in the malpractice.

NTA has said it will cooperate fully with investigators by providing records, data, and other materials required for the inquiry.

NTA has confirmed that NEET UG 2026 will be conducted again, with revised dates to be announced through official channels shortly.

The agency acknowledged that the re-exam would create inconvenience for students and families. However, it maintained that allowing a compromised examination to continue would have caused greater long-term damage to public trust.

No fresh registration required

Candidates will not need to register again for the re-examination. Existing application data will remain valid.

The following arrangements have been confirmed by NTA:

• Registration details and candidature will be carried forward
• Previously selected exam centers will remain valid
• No additional examination fee will be charged
• Fees already paid will be refunded
• Fresh admit cards will be issued before the new exam

Students have been advised to rely only on official announcements from NTA and avoid misinformation circulating on social media platforms.

With fresh exam dates expected soon, candidates may need to revise their preparation plans and remain ready for the re-examination.

The cancellation has once again intensified concerns over examination security and fairness in India’s highly competitive entrance testing system.

NEET remains one of the country’s largest and most competitive examinations, and any breach in the process directly affects lakhs of aspirants.