NEET 2026 Cancelled Amid Allegations of Paper Leak and Investigation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the cancellation of the 2026 undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) due to serious allegations surrounding a paper leak. This decision comes in the wake of an investigation by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), which is probing claims that a so-called “guess paper” was distributed prior to the examination, containing questions that closely mirrored those in the actual test.

The NEET-UG, held on May 3, serves as the gateway for aspiring medical students in India seeking admission to undergraduate medical programs. Following the allegations, the NTA confirmed that the examination would be retaken, with the new dates to be communicated to candidates at a later time.

According to Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of the Rajasthan SOG, the circulated guess paper allegedly featured around 410 questions, with approximately 120 of them corresponding directly to those on the NEET-UG chemistry section. This startling revelation prompted law enforcement to detain over 45 individuals in Rajasthan, as they work to uncover the extent of the alleged malpractice.

Prior to the cancellation, the NTA had assured stakeholders that the May 3 examination was conducted under stringent security measures. However, following the preliminary investigation results, it became evident that the integrity of the examination process could not be upheld, leading to the decision to cancel the test. The NTA expressed its commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in the examination process.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on restoring the sanctity of the NEET examination, which is pivotal for thousands of students aiming for careers in medicine. The educational community and prospective candidates await further updates, especially regarding the rescheduling of the examination and the outcomes of the ongoing inquiry.

Source: scroll.in