Full Breakdown
NEET 2026 Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Allegations
5/13/2026, 12:15:09 AM
Background & Prior Leak Concerns
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the sole gateway to undergraduate medical programmes in India. The test is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the federal body that conducts the exam. A question-paper leak was reported in 2024, but the exam was not repeated, raising concerns about test security.
Timeline of Key Events
- 3 May 2026 – Approximately 2.3 million candidates sat for NEET UG 2026.
- 12 May 2026 – The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the exam, citing a breach of integrity.
- 12 May 2026 – NSUI members protested in New Delhi, demanding accountability.
- Following days – Authorities detained about 45 people; the probe was handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Exam Scale and Leak Details
Sources cite 2.3 million, 2.2 million and 24 lakh candidates, showing minor count differences. A “Guess Paper” circulated before the test matched over 150 questions, especially in Biology and Chemistry. Rajasthan police reported more than 100 biology and chemistry items with “substantial similarity” to the final paper.
Official Response
The NTA, approved by the government, cancelled the May 3 exam and will re-conduct it on a new date. Registrations stay valid, no extra fee will be charged and fees paid will be refunded. The agency said preserving institutional credibility and public trust was essential. The announcement was posted on the NTA’s official X account. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has not issued a statement.
NSUI Protests and Demands
The NSUI, the student wing of the opposition Congress party, staged demonstrations that tried to breach police barricades. They also tried to scale the barricades. President Vinod Jakhar called for the “strictest possible action” against the leak and demanded Pradhan’s resignation, citing loss of confidence in the government.
Conflicting Data
- Candidate numbers are reported as 2.2 million, 2.3 million and 24 lakh.
- Leaked question counts are described as “over 150” in one report and “more than 100” with “substantial similarity” in another; 45 people have been detained, but the leak source is unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With the approval of the Government of India, the NTA has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately.” — National Testing Agency, X post
- “strictest possible action” — Vinod Jakhar, NSUI President
- “preservation of institutional credibility and public trust in the examination system admits of no lesser course” — National Testing Agency statement
- “substantial inconvenience” — National Testing Agency acknowledgment
Next Steps
The NTA will set a new exam date after the CBI completes its probe. The investigation’s outcome will guide any further reforms to protect future NEET examinations. A revised admit-card will be issued to all candidates.
