The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of a question paper leak. The agency said the examination will now be held again on a fresh date, which will be announced separately.
NEET-UG is the single entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical courses across India.
In an official statement, the NTA said the decision was taken after reviewing inputs in coordination with central agencies. Investigative findings shared by law enforcement authorities raised concerns over the integrity and fairness of the examination process, it said.
“Based on inputs examined by the NTA in coordination with central agencies, and the findings shared by law enforcement authorities, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and re-conduct the examination on dates to be notified separately,” the statement said.
The NTA also announced that the Centre has decided to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). “NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and provide all materials, records and assistance required for the inquiry,” it added.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to students and parents, the agency said the move was necessary to protect the credibility and transparency of the examination system.
The NTA further clarified that candidates will not have to register again for the re-test. Registration details, candidature data and examination centres chosen during the May 2026 cycle will remain valid, and no additional fee will be charged.
“In addition, fees already paid will be refunded to students, and the examination will be re-conducted using NTA’s internal resources,” the statement said.
Around 22.79 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was conducted in pen-and-paper mode across more than 5,400 centres.