New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 and announced that a fresh examination will be held on dates to be notified later, following allegations of irregularities in the exam process.
In an official statement issued on X, the NTA said the decision was taken after examining inputs received from central agencies and law enforcement authorities regarding alleged malpractices linked to the examination.
The agency stated that it had earlier referred the matter to central agencies on May 8 for independent verification and further action.
“Based on the inputs examined in coordination with central agencies and the findings shared by law enforcement agencies, it has been decided, with the approval of the Government of India, to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3 and re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately,” the statement said.
The Centre has also decided to hand over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed probe into the allegations surrounding the examination.
“The Government of India has further decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry. NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and provide all records and assistance required,” the agency added.
According to the NTA, the findings shared by investigative agencies indicated that the integrity of the examination process had been compromised.
The agency acknowledged the inconvenience the cancellation would cause students and parents but said the step was necessary to protect the credibility of the national examination system.
“This decision has been taken in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests,” the NTA said, adding that allowing the existing examination to stand would have caused “greater and more lasting damage” to that trust.
The agency clarified that candidates will not have to register again for the fresh examination. Existing registration details, candidature and examination centre preferences from the May 2026 cycle will remain valid. No additional examination fee will be charged.
NTA also said the fee already paid by candidates would be refunded, while the re-examination would be conducted using the agency’s internal resources.
Fresh dates for the examination and revised admit card schedule will be announced through official channels in the coming days. Candidates and parents have been advised to rely only on official updates and avoid unverified information circulating on social media.
Meanwhile, reports of a possible paper leak had emerged from Rajasthan after the May 3 examination. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) launched an investigation into the allegations.
According to reports, investigators recovered a handwritten suggestion paper in which nearly 120 questions allegedly matched the actual NEET paper, including around 90 Biology questions and 30 Chemistry questions.
(DD News)
