Government orders fresh examination after alleged leak of questions worth 600 marks; over 45 suspects detained by Rajasthan SOG
New Delhi/Jaipur:
In a major decision affecting nearly 22 lakh medical aspirants across the country, the National Testing Agency (NTA), with the approval of the Government of India, has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, following serious allegations of a large-scale paper leak and compromise of the examination process.
The decision comes after inputs received from multiple central agencies, findings shared by law enforcement authorities, and the ongoing investigation into an alleged question paper leak that has shaken the credibility of one of India’s largest entrance examinations.
NTA Announces Cancellation of Exam
In its official statement, the National Testing Agency said that the findings gathered so far indicated that the integrity of the examination process could no longer be guaranteed. The agency stated that continuing with the current examination cycle would have undermined transparency and fairness in the national testing system.
According to the NTA, the examination will now be conducted again on fresh dates, which will be announced separately through official channels in the coming days. New admit cards will also be issued for all candidates appearing in the re-examination.
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The agency acknowledged the inconvenience caused to students and their families but maintained that ensuring a fair and credible examination system was of paramount importance.
CBI Assigned Comprehensive Probe
The Government of India has handed over the investigation into the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Officials stated that the decision was taken to ensure an impartial and detailed probe into the allegations, including the possible involvement of organised networks and insiders connected to the examination process.
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The NTA has assured full cooperation with the investigating agency and said it will provide all necessary records, documents, technical inputs and logistical support required for the investigation.
Government sources indicated that the move was aimed at restoring public trust in the national examination framework and ensuring accountability at every level.
Rajasthan SOG Intensifies Crackdown
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG), which is already investigating the case, has intensified its operations across multiple states.
According to sources, more than 45 people have been detained so far in connection with the alleged paper leak racket. Raids and interrogations are continuing in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala and several other locations.
Till Monday, at least 13 suspects had reportedly been taken into custody, including a career counsellor associated with a reputed coaching institute in Sikar, Rajasthan — a city known as a major coaching hub for medical and engineering entrance exams.
Investigators are also probing the possible involvement of intermediaries, coaching networks and digital channels allegedly used for circulating leaked material before the examination.
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Two Major Angles Under Investigation
The Rajasthan SOG is currently examining two major theories behind the alleged leak:
1. Leak During Printing and Distribution
Investigators suspect that the question paper may have been leaked during the printing or packaging stage before distribution to examination centres. Officials are examining the entire chain involving printing presses, logistics handlers and confidential dispatch mechanisms.
2. Insider Involvement in Paper Setting
The second and more serious angle involves the possibility that someone directly associated with the question paper-setting process may have leaked the questions before the examination.
Investigative agencies believe the sophistication and accuracy of the leaked content suggest access at a highly sensitive level within the examination ecosystem.
‘Guess Paper’ Matched Questions Worth 600 Marks
The controversy escalated after investigators recovered a so-called “guess paper” or “question bank” that allegedly contained exact questions appearing in the actual NEET UG 2026 examination.
According to the SOG investigation, the document reportedly contained around 410 questions, out of which nearly 150 questions — carrying approximately 600 marks out of the total 720 — matched the actual NEET examination paper almost identically.
This revelation triggered nationwide outrage among students, parents and coaching experts, raising serious concerns over the security and confidentiality of the examination system.
Kerala Medical Student Under Scanner
Sources linked to the investigation stated that the alleged “question bank” trail has reportedly led investigators to a youth currently studying MBBS at a medical college in Kerala.
Authorities are examining whether the individual had links with coaching operators, paper solvers or networks involved in distributing confidential material before the exam.
Major operations have already been conducted in Dehradun, Sikar and Jhunjhunu, where several suspects were reportedly rounded up for questioning.
Students Face Fresh Uncertainty
The cancellation of NEET UG 2026 has left lakhs of students and parents in a state of uncertainty and emotional distress. Many students had spent years preparing for the highly competitive medical entrance examination, which determines admission into MBBS, BDS and other undergraduate medical programmes across India.
Educational experts believe the decision, though difficult, was necessary to preserve the credibility of the examination process.
Officials are expected to announce revised examination dates and updated guidelines after consultations with security agencies and examination authorities.