New Delhi, May 12: The Centre on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of a paper leak and irregularities, announcing that the country’s largest undergraduate medical entrance test will be re-conducted on dates to be notified soon.
The matter has been formally handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive probe.In an official statement, the National Testing Agency said the decision was taken after inputs shared by central and law enforcement agencies raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination.
The agency stated:“Based on inputs examined by NTA in coordination with central agencies, along with investigative findings shared by law enforcement authorities and to ensure transparency the Government of India has approved the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3. The examination will be re-conducted, and fresh dates will be announced separately.”
The NTA added that the existing examination process “could not be allowed to stand” given the gravity of the allegations.The Government of India has directed the CBI to carry out a full-fledged investigation into the matter. The NTA said it will extend complete cooperation and provide all materials, records and logistical support required for the probe.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to lakhs of aspirants and their families, the NTA said the decision was taken to protect the credibility of the national examination framework.“The alternative would have caused greater and longer-lasting damage to public trust,” the agency noted.
The agency clarified that no fresh registration will be required for the re-test. All previously submitted candidate data, chosen exam centres and application details from the May 2026 cycle will remain valid.Additionally, fees already paid will be refunded to candidates, and the re-examination will be conducted using NTA’s internal resources.
Fresh examination dates and the revised schedule for issuing admit cards will be announced on official channels in the coming days.NEET-UG, the single national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical programmes across India, was held on May 3 in pen-and-paper mode at over 5,400 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. Nearly 22.79 lakh candidates appeared for the examination.
The re-test is expected to be announced soon as authorities work to restore confidence in the examination system.