Aspirants coming out from one of the Examination centre in Sector 22 Chandigarh during NEET UG (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
After an alleged NEET-UG paper leak that is being investigated in Rajasthan, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, and will conduct the exam again.
“On the basis of the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and in order to ensure that there is transparency in the system, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, 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,” the NTA said on Tuesday.
Live Updates | NTA to reconduct exam; CBI to investigate alleged paper leak
A senior official in the NTA said on Monday that they had received inputs about a PDF file circulating on May 7 and had informed investigating agencies about the matter. The key question was whether the document was circulating before the exam, the official said.
“NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration to the central agencies for independent verification and necessary action, consistent with its standing commitment to the fair, secure, and credible conduct of the national examinations entrusted to it,” the NTA said on Tuesday.
Also read | How a WhatsApp message ‘forwarded many times’ led to NEET UG cancellation
“The inputs received by NTA, taken together with the findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, established that the present examination process could not be allowed to stand. The re-conducted examination dates, along with the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be communicated through the official channels of the Agency in the coming days,” it added.
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The Centre has also decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an inquiry.
“NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires…The registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied. In addition, fees already paid, will be refunded to the students and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA’s internal resources,” the NTA added.
Candidates, parents, and other stakeholders have been advised to await further updates regarding the revised examination schedule.
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In a post shared on ‘X’, NTA has said further communications, including the re-conducted examination dates and the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be issued through the official channels of the Agency.
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On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kharge reacted on the alleged NEET UG paper leak criticizing the Union government. Gandhi posted on their ‘X’ handle that how “NEET 2026 has become an auction, with papers allegedly sold on WhatsApp before the test while 22 lakh students worked tirelessly all year.”
He further added: “The trust of 22 lakh children has been shattered. And no one poses a greater threat to the dreams of India’s youth than the Modi government.”
For more updates on NEET UG fresh exam dates, admit card, and other details, check IE Education. We will share all NEET information as soon as NTA releases it.
