The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially declared the NEET UG 2026 examination, which was conducted on May 3, as null and void. This unprecedented decision, announced on May 12, 2026, comes after confirmed reports of a “guess paper” leak originating in Rajasthan. To maintain the integrity of India’s largest medical entrance test, the Union Government has handed the investigation to the CBI. A universal re-exam will be conducted for all 22.79 lakh registered candidates.
NEET UG 2026 Cancellation Overview
| Organization | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2026) |
| Total Candidates | 22.79 Lakh (approx. 22 lakh families impacted) |
| Original Exam Date | May 3, 2026 |
| Reason for Cancellation | Paper leak (“Guess Paper” matching 120 Chemistry questions) |
| Investigation Authority | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) & Rajasthan Police SOG |
| Status | Exam Cancelled; Re-exam to be scheduled |
| Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in/NEET |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Original NEET UG Exam Date | May 3, 2026 |
| Cancellation Announcement Date | May 12, 2026 |
| Expected Notification for New Date | Third week of May 2026 |
| Expected Re-exam Window | 4 to 6 weeks from cancellation |
Key Highlights of NTA Announcement
- Universal Cancellation: The May 3 test is formally scrapped to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
- Leak Sources: Investigation by Rajasthan Police SOG found a “guess paper” circulating via Telegram and WhatsApp 30 days before the exam.
- CBI Probe: The Union Government has authorized the CBI to investigate a multi-state network involving consultants in Kerala, Uttarakhand, and a medical student in Churu.
- Financial Relief: NTA will bear the full cost of the re-test. Candidates will receive a full refund of original fees.
- No New Fee: There is no requirement to pay any registration cost for the upcoming re-examination.
- Data Carry-Forward: Registration details and exam center preferences will be automatically migrated.
Detailed Information on Paper Leak & Investigation
The integrity of the exam was compromised by a high-level conspiracy where papers were reportedly sold for sums ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹5 Lakhs.
The Leak Trail:
- The Content: A total of 410 questions were in the “guess paper,” with 120 Chemistry questions matching the actual exam paper exactly.
- The Network: The trail began in Churu (Rajasthan), moved to a medical student in Kerala, and involved various Sikar (Rajasthan) counselling centres.
- Current Status: 13 suspects have been detained by the SOG, and the CBI is set to take over their custody for a “comprehensive inquiry” into NTA officials, printing logistics, and distribution chains.
5 Major Announcements for Aspirants
- Absolute Scrapping of May 3 Exam: NTA stated the current process could not stand due to investigative findings.
- CBI Takeover: A central probe will hold the “masterminds” behind the multi-state scam accountable.
- Zero Cost Re-test: In a first for NTA, internal resources will be used to fund the re-conduct of the exam.
- No Fresh Registrations: Candidates do not need to use the registration portal again; all data is saved.
- New Admit Cards: All previous admit cards are now invalid. Fresh admit cards will be issued for the new date.
How to Check New Schedule and Download Admit Card
Once the NTA releases the notification, students should follow these steps:
- Visit the official NTA NEET portal: exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
- Look for the link labeled “NEET UG 2026 Re-exam Schedule.”
- For the Admit Card, click on the “Admit Card Download” link.
- Enter your existing login credentials (Application Number and DOB).
- Download and print the new Admit Card (mandatory for entry).
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Center Changes: NTA aims to keep centers the same, but centers currently under investigation may be replaced. Always verify the address on your new admit card.
- Syllabus: There is no change to the syllabus; students are advised to continue focusing on NCERT materials.
- Refunds: The refund of the original fee will be processed by NTA automatically.
- Official Communication: Trust only the official NTA handles and website; ignore social media rumors regarding difficulty levels or further delays.
Also Read:
UPSC Malayalam Compulsory PYQ PDF Download for Mains (2016-2025) Preparation 2026
UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2026: Expected Date, Download Link, and Exam Guidelines
UP APO Admit Card 2026: Check June Exam Dates & Admit Card Update
Bihar Police Havildar Clerk Admit Card 2026 Out: Download Hall Ticket PDF at bpssc.bihar.gov.in
Haryana HPSC PGT Computer Science Admit Card 2026 (Out): Download Now
