NEW DELHI: India’s National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance examination and announced a re-test after allegations that an alleged “guess paper” containing several questions similar to the actual exam had circulated among students before the test.
The examination, conducted on May 3, was attended by nearly 22.79 lakh candidates across India and abroad.
#WATCH | Delhi: National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) workers hold protest against the central government after the NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled amid allegations of paper leak and examination irregularities pic.twitter.com/qkQ6BHClIV
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026
The government has also ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken “in the interest of students” and to maintain the credibility of the national examination system.
The agency said inputs examined in coordination with central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities indicated that the examination process “could not be allowed to stand”.
Fresh dates for the re-conducted examination and revised admit card schedules will be announced separately through official channels, the agency added.
The controversy emerged after investigators in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand reported suspected malpractice linked to a document described as a “guess paper”.
According to investigators, a set of around 410 questions had circulated among aspirants between two weeks and one month before the examination. Officials claimed nearly 120 Chemistry questions closely matched those in the actual NEET paper.
Authorities also alleged that the material was shared through WhatsApp groups around 42 hours before the examination.
The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG), which is leading the initial probe, said investigators were examining whether the material was part of an organised cheating racket.
SOG officials said no arrests had been made so far.
The NTA confirmed candidates would not need to register again for the re-test and that no additional fee would be charged. Existing registration details and examination centre preferences will remain valid.
