• NTA cancels exam, announces re-test without fresh registration or fee
• CBI registers case, launches nationwide investigation
• Rajasthan SOG detains 15 suspects, key masterminds held
• Fee refund announced, exam integrity under question
New Delhi : In a major setback for medical aspirants across the country, the National Testing Agency (National Testing Agency) has cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, following serious allegations of a question paper leak. The agency said the decision was taken in the interest of students and to protect the credibility of the national examination system, which it described as being based on trust and transparency.
The agency further announced that the examination will be reconducted on dates that will be notified separately. It clarified that candidates will not be required to register again, and their existing candidature details, examination centres, and application information from the May 2026 cycle will remain valid. NTA also confirmed that no additional examination fee will be charged for the re-test.
In a significant escalation of the case, the government has handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (Central Bureau of Investigation). The CBI has registered an FIR based on a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The case includes charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft, destruction of evidence, and offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The CBI said it has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the extent of the alleged irregularities and identify all individuals and entities involved. Special teams have been deployed to multiple locations to support the probe and trace the suspected network behind the leak. The agency also stated it is examining financial transactions and other digital evidence linked to the circulation of the question paper.
Meanwhile, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the agency will fully cooperate with investigating authorities and provide all required records and assistance. He also announced that examination fees will be refunded to candidates and reiterated that the re-exam will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Singh added that even the slightest doubt regarding the integrity of the examination process leaves no option but cancellation in order to safeguard students’ interests.
On the ground, investigation agencies have intensified their action. The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) has detained at least 15 individuals in connection with the alleged paper leak. Sources said the investigation is focusing on uncovering the wider network and money trail linked to the leak. An alleged mastermind identified as Manish has been detained from Jaipur, while earlier arrests include Sikar-based career counsellor Rakesh Kumar and others from Dehradun. Several NEET aspirants have also been taken into custody as part of the ongoing probe. In another development, Nashik Police detained a suspect after receiving a request from Rajasthan Police, with efforts underway to transfer custody for further interrogation.
With the involvement of central and state agencies, the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case has now turned into a multi-layered investigation spanning several states. Authorities are expected to further expand the probe to determine the full scale of the alleged malpractice and ensure accountability in one of the country’s most important competitive examinations.
