Reports are coming in that the NEET UG 2026 examination, which was held on 3 May, has reportedly been cancelled. According to circulating information, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has taken this decision following allegations of a “guess paper” leak.
However, the situation is still developing, and the exact details behind the cancellation are not fully clear yet. Questions are being raised about how the paper leak happened, who was involved, and whether there were any major security lapses in the examination process.
As of now, authorities have not provided a detailed official explanation, but the controversy has created confusion and concern among lakhs of students who appeared for the exam. Further clarification from NTA is expected soon regarding the reasons and future course of action for NEET UG 2026.
The controversy around NEET UG 2026 began on May 3, when the preliminary medical entrance examination was conducted across the country. This exam is extremely important for students aspiring to pursue medical education, as it determines admission into various medical institutions. This year, more than 22 lakh students appeared for the exam.
Shortly after the exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) posted an update on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. On May 7, the agency reportedly received inputs suggesting possible irregularities in the examination. These concerns were then shared with central investigative agencies, prompting further action.
Following this, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan began an investigation. During the probe, it was revealed that a student from Rajasthan, currently studying in Kerala, allegedly shared a “guess paper” with a friend in Sikar. This paper then reportedly spread across various PG centers, coaching institutes, and career counselors. It is also believed that the document was circulated through WhatsApp and even in printed form.
Investigators also claimed that the guess paper was being sold for amounts ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, while in some cases, it was allegedly sold for ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 just a night before the exam. So far, 11 individuals have been detained for questioning in connection with the case.
According to inputs shared by journalist Sharad Kumar, the SOG investigation suggested that the leaked guess paper contained 410 handwritten questions, out of which around 120 questions reportedly matched exactly with the actual NEET exam paper held on May 3. Since the NEET exam consists of 180 questions in total, this overlap raised serious concerns about the integrity of the exam. It is also alleged that not only the questions but even the order of answers matched in several cases.
Officials suspect that whoever prepared the guess paper may have had prior knowledge of the exam pattern or question structure, although this claim has not yet been confirmed.
Following the investigation reports and inputs from central agencies, the NTA announced on its official X account that, with the approval of the Government of India, the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3 has been cancelled. The agency stated that the decision was taken to ensure transparency in the examination system. A re-exam will be conducted, and the new dates will be announced soon.
It has also been clarified that students will not need to re-register or pay the exam fee again. The fees already paid will be refunded, and the cost of conducting the re-exam will be borne by the NTA. Additionally, the examination centers allotted earlier will remain valid for the re-exam.
The NTA further stated that new exam dates and admit card details will be published soon on the official website. Candidates and parents have been advised to rely only on official announcements and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
The NEET UG exam conducted on May 3 has now been officially cancelled amid allegations that a “guess paper” was circulated before the examination. According to reports, the National Testing Agency (NTA) took this decision after concerns were raised regarding possible irregularities linked to the leaked material.
Following the decision, the investigation has now reportedly been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which will look into the entire matter in detail.
In addition, it has been clarified that students who had already registered for the exam will not be required to pay the application fee again. The NTA will bear the cost of the re-examination and ensure that candidates are not financially burdened due to the cancellation.
Further updates regarding the new exam schedule and investigation progress are expected soon, and authorities have assured that official information will be shared as it becomes available.
FAQ – NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancellation Case
Q1. Why was NEET UG 2026 cancelled?
NEET UG 2026 was reportedly cancelled due to allegations of a “guess paper” leak, which raised concerns about irregularities in the examination process.
Q2. When was the NEET UG 2026 exam conducted?
The exam was conducted on 3 May 2026 across various centers in India.
Q3. How many students appeared for the exam?
More than 22 lakh candidates appeared for NEET UG 2026.
Q4. What is the alleged issue behind the cancellation?
Reports suggest that a guess paper containing similar questions to the actual exam was circulated before the test, raising suspicion of a leak.
Q5. Who is investigating the case now?
The investigation has reportedly been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which will examine the entire matter.
Q6. What action was taken by the authorities before cancellation?
The Rajasthan SOG (Special Operations Group) initially investigated the case and detained several individuals for questioning.
Q7. Will students have to pay the exam fee again?
No. Students will not need to pay the fee again. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will cover the cost of the re-examination.
Q8. Will students need to re-register for the exam?
No, re-registration is not required. Existing registrations will remain valid.
Q9. What about exam centres?
The previously allotted exam centres are expected to remain the same for the re-exam.
Q10. When will the new exam date be announced?
The new schedule has not been announced yet. NTA will release updated dates and admit card details soon on its official website.
Q11. What should students and parents do now?
They are advised to rely only on official updates from NTA and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
