NEET-UG 2026 cancelled, fresh exam to be conducted following paper leak allegations

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 12, 2026: The National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 and announced that the test will be held again on fresh dates to be announced later.

In a detailed statement, the NTA said the decision was taken after examining inputs received in coordination with central agencies and investigative findings shared by law enforcement authorities. The agency stated that the examination process “could not be allowed to stand" in its present form.

The NTA’s decision will affect lakhs of medical aspirants across the country.

Investigation Into Paper Leak

According to the NTA, the matter had already been referred to central agencies on May 8 for independent verification and necessary action. The agency said the move was part of its commitment to ensuring fair, secure and credible national examinations.

Following the findings shared by law enforcement agencies, the Government of India approved the cancellation of the examination and the decision to conduct a fresh test.

The NTA also confirmed that the Government has decided to hand over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the examination process.

The exam-conducting agency said it would fully cooperate with the investigation and provide all necessary materials, records and assistance required by the CBI.

Fresh Exam Dates To Be Announced

The NTA said new examination dates for the re-conducted NEET UG 2026 test will be announced through official channels in the coming days.

Fresh admit cards will also be issued before the re-examination. The agency urged students and parents to rely only on official communication and avoid unverified reports circulating on social media.

The statement stressed that transparency and trust in the examination system were central to the decision.

The agency has further clarified that students will not have to complete fresh registration for the re-examination. Existing registration data, candidature details and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle will automatically be carried forward for the new examination.

“This decision has been taken in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests. The agency is conscious that re-conduct will cause real and significant inconvenience to candidates and their families. NTA does not take that consequence lightly. The decision has been taken because the alternative would have caused greater and more lasting damage to that trust," the NTA statement read.

The NTA also announced that no additional examination fee would be charged from candidates for the retest.

The agency said examination fees already paid would be refunded. The re-examination will be conducted using NTA’s internal resources.

According to the NTA, allowing the present examination process to continue despite the findings would have caused “greater and more lasting damage" to public trust.

The agency said further details regarding the revised schedule, admit cards and examination arrangements would soon be communicated officially.

Until then, candidates and parents have been advised to follow only the official channels of the NTA for updates related to the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.