NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 12, 2026 cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak, with the government asking the CBI for a comprehensive inquiry.
After an alleged NEET-UG paper leak that is being investigated in Rajasthan, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to conduct the exam held on May 3 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,” an official notification by the NTA said.
To view the detailed notification, click here.
An NTA official said that they had received inputs about a PDF file circulating on May 7 and had informed investigating agencies about it. The question remains is whether the document was circulating before the exam.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
In continuation of its press release dated 10 May 2026, the National Testing Agency wishes to inform candidates, parents, and members of the public of the following decisions taken in respect of NEET (UG) 2026. NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration…
— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) May 12, 2026
“It’s embarrassing, but we want a fair examination. A fresh examination will be conducted soon to ensure fairness for all candidates. The agency is working on stronger security measures and will soon release detailed guidelines to prevent such incidents in future examinations,” NTA Chief and Director General (DG) Abhishek Singh told the media.
Nine arrested from five states, say sources
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) detained the alleged mastermind of the alleged leak.
According to Jaipur SOG sources, Manish Yadav, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the operation, has been taken into custody from Jaipur. Another key accused, Rakesh Mandawariya, who allegedly distributed the leaked paper, has also been detained.
ALSO READ: NEET UG 2026 Cancelled; No Re-Registration Needed For Fresh Exam
Sources said at least nine arrests have been made across five states as agencies track the paper leak trail and identify members of the larger racket.