NEET UG 2026 Cancelled Following Question Paper Leak; CBI Takes Over Paper Leak Probe

New Delhi: The NEET UG 2026 examination has been cancelled following allegations of a major question paper leak linked to the May 3 test.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation after preliminary findings indicated that a large portion of the examination paper had been leaked before the test. The investigation into the alleged malpractice has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Although the NTA has decided to conduct the examination again, revised dates for the re-test have not yet been announced. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure transparency and maintain the credibility of the examination process.

According to preliminary reports, nearly 150 out of the 180 questions in the exam were allegedly circulated in advance through a “probable question paper” that later matched the actual test. Around 120 questions from the Chemistry section were reportedly leaked verbatim. Authorities believe questions carrying nearly 600 out of the total 720 marks had been compromised, severely affecting the integrity of the examination.

In connection with the case, the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group has detained 13 people from Sikar and Dehradun.

Investigators suspect that a medical student from Rajasthan studying in Keralam played a central role in the leak. Agencies believe the student helped circulate the paper to coaching centres and contacts in multiple states. The leaked question papers were allegedly sold for ₹5 lakh two days before the examination.

Officials are also probing the possible use of digital messaging groups to distribute the leaked content on a large scale. Students have been advised not to believe rumours and to rely only on official updates published through the NTA’s channels.