NTA cancels NEET UG 2026 examination, mastermind held in Jaipur, CBI to probe
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3. This decision was taken in light of allegations regarding a paper leak. The CBI has been ordered to investigate the matter. The NTA has stated that the new dates for the examination will be announced shortly. A total of 22.79 lakh students had appeared for the exam.
The NTA has clarified that affected students will not be required to register again for the re-examination. There will also be no change in their designated examination centers. New admit cards will be issued for the re-exam. The fees paid by the students who appeared for the exam will also be refunded.
The NTA has stated that the examination was cancelled following approval from the Central Government.
The NTA has affirmed that this examination will be conducted again. The dates for the new examination, along with the schedule for the issuance of admit cards, will be released shortly through official channels.
CBI to probe
On the social media platform 'X', the NTA posted: "The Government of India has decided to hand over this matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry. The NTA will extend its full cooperation in this investigation and provide all necessary documents and information."
The NTA further informed: "There will be no requirement for fresh registration to retake the examination, nor will any additional fee be charged. The fees previously deposited by the students will be refunded to them, and the examination will be conducted using the NTA's own resources."
Mastermind Apprehended in Jaipur
On Monday, the Special Operations Group (SOG) apprehended an individual named Manish in Jaipur. He is suspected to be the mastermind behind leaking the examination questions before the paper was even printed. His entire network is currently being thoroughly scrutinized.
It is suspected that this network extends across several other states. The SOG is currently engaged in a concerted effort to apprehend all individuals involved in this conspiracy. It was this very 'question bank' that was distributed to the students appearing for the examination. Of these questions, 90 out of 90 in Biology and 35 out of 45 in Chemistry appeared verbatim in the actual examination.
The agency has interrogated several students who accessed this material. During questioning, they admitted to the exchange of money involved in the matter. The agency is currently tracing the entire money trail associated with this case.
The NTA stated that on May 8, 2026, certain inquiries related to this matter were handed over to central agencies to ensure the fairness and security of the examination.
Based on the findings received from the investigative agencies, it was decided that the examination would be re-conducted in order to uphold transparency.