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- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Tue, 12 May 2026 12:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancellation Update: The National Testing Agency (NTA), in coordination with the Government of India (GoI), has officially cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026. This decision comes after a detailed review of investigative findings provided by central and law enforcement agencies, which established that the integrity of the original examination process had been compromised.
To ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into the widespread allegations of paper leaks and malpractice, the case has been formally referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a high-level probe.
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
The Agency acknowledged that while this decision will cause significant inconvenience to over 22 lakh candidates and their families, it was necessary to maintain the long-term credibility of the national examination system. The NTA has assured students that the re-conducted exam will be handled using internal resources to prevent further security breaches.
Furthermore, all existing registration data and exam centre choices will be carried forward, ensuring that students do not need to re-register or pay any additional fees for the upcoming re-test.
UPSC NEET UG 2026: Official Cancellation & Re-Exam Overview
Key Feature | Official Update (as of May 12, 2026) |
Current Status | Exam Cancelled (National Level) |
Original Exam Date | May 3, 2026 |
Re-Exam Date | To be notified soon (Expected June 2026) |
Investigating Agency | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) |
Application Fee | No additional fee; Previous fees to be refunded |
Registration Status | Carry-forward (No new registration required) |
Official Website |
NEET UG Exam 2026 Cancelled: Decision for a Nationwide Re-Conduct:
The NTA's decision to scrap the May 3 exam was driven by evidence that the "guess paper" leak, initially thought to be localised in Rajasthan, had potential inter-state links. The inputs examined by the NTA confirmed that allowing the current results to stand would be an injustice to honest aspirants.
By ordering a fresh examination, the government aims to reset the merit list on a level playing field. The Agency is currently working on a revised schedule and will issue new admit cards through official channels shortly.
CBI Investigation and Legal Action:
With the matter now in the hands of the CBI, the investigation will move beyond localised cheating to uncover organised syndicates. The bureau will investigate the digital footprints of the leaked materials that allegedly circulated on encrypted messaging apps.
The NTA has pledged full cooperation, providing all examination records and technical data to help the Bureau identify the "masterminds" behind the leak. This move is intended to restore public trust and ensure that such a breach does not recur in future cycles.
Guidelines for Candidates and Parents:
During this period of transition, the NTA has issued specific directives for all enrolled students:
No Fresh Registration: Your May 2026 registration remains valid; do not attempt to fill out new forms unless specifically instructed.
Fee Refund: The government has decided to refund the initial examination fees as a gesture of support, with the re-exam being funded by NTA’s internal reserves.
Admit Cards: New hall tickets with updated dates and instructions will be issued on the official website.
Stay Focused: Aspirants are encouraged to resume their preparations and rely solely on nta.ac.in for updates, ignoring any unverified social media timelines.