“The NEET 2026 paper leak cancelled the plans of millions of students today as the NTA officially moved to scrap the exam following a CBI investigation.”
In a massive development for over 22 lakh medical aspirants, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 examination today, May 12, 2026. This decision comes after a week of intense protests and mounting evidence of a paper leak.
The integrity of the NEET UG 2026 was compromised when a “guess paper” surfaced in Sikar and Jaipur. Investigations revealed that this paper matched nearly 140 questions from the official exam, including the entire Chemistry section.
The Leak Source: Early reports suggest the leak originated from a printing press in Jaipur and spread via Telegram groups.
Government Action: The NTA Chief stated today that while they initially believed the leak was “geographically restricted,” the latest inputs suggested a national re-exam was necessary to maintain trust.
Why was NEET 2026 Cancelled?
The cancellation follows a high-level investigation by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG). Investigators found that a “guess paper” containing nearly 120 questions (out of 180) was circulating on social media and Telegram before the exam on May 3.
- The Proof: Experts confirmed that all 90 Biology questions and a significant portion of Chemistry questions in the “guess paper” were identical to the official NTA paper.
- The Scope: While the leak was initially thought to be limited to centers in Sikar and Jaipur, the government has now handed the case to the CBI to investigate a potential national network.
The NEET 2026 Paper Leak Timeline: How it Unfolded
- May 3, 2026: NEET UG 2026 is conducted across 5,432 centers for over 22 lakh candidates. Reports of a “handwritten guess paper” circulating on Telegram start appearing within hours of the exam ending.
- May 4 – May 5, 2026: Students and teachers on social media begin comparing the “guess paper” to the actual exam. It is discovered that nearly 140 questions (worth 600 marks) are identical.
- May 6, 2026: NTA releases the provisional answer key, but protests erupt in New Delhi and Jaipur. The hashtag #CancelNEET2026 begins to trend globally.
- May 8, 2026: The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) detains over 45 individuals, including a suspected mastermind from Jaipur. NTA officially refers the matter to central agencies for “independent verification.”
- May 10, 2026: NTA issues a press release stating that while “isolated malpractices” occurred, there is no evidence of a nationwide leak. This leads to further student outrage.
- May 11, 2026: The investigation reveals a trail leading to a printing press and involving coaching centers in Latur (Maharashtra) and Dehradun (Uttarakhand).
- May 12, 2026 (Today):
- 12:30 PM: The NTA officially cancels the NEET UG 2026 exam.
- 1:00 PM: The Ministry of Education hands the case to the CBI for a full criminal probe.
- 2:00 PM: NTA announces that a re-exam will be held, with fresh dates to be released shortly.
When will the Re-Exam happen?
The NTA has announced that a fresh NEET (UG) 2026 exam will be conducted.
- Registration: No new registrations are allowed. All students who appeared on May 3 are eligible
- Expected Date: While the official date is not yet out, sources suggest the re-exam will likely take place in late June or early July 2026.
- Admit Cards: New admit cards will be issued for all registered candidates. No new registrations will be allowed.
- Fees: The NTA will not charge extra fees for the re-conducted exam.
Message to Students
FAQ for Aspirants
- Q: Will the exam pattern change for the re-NEET?
- No, the syllabus and pattern will remain exactly the same.
- Q: When is the expected re-exam date?
- Sources suggest a window between June 25 and July 5, 2026.
- Q: Do I need to buy new books?
- No. Stick to your NCERT foundations. This extra month is a “bonus” revision period.
This is a stressful time, but the integrity of the exam is vital for your future medical career. Do not fall for “new leaks” or paid “sure-shot” papers on Telegram. Stay focused on your revision and check neet.nta.nic.in for the official schedule.
Tips to Handle the Stress
Avoid Social Media Rumors: Only follow neet.nta.nic.in.
Mock Tests are Key: Re-start your test series immediately to keep your “exam temperament.”
Focus on Weak Areas: Use this time to fix those Physics chapters you struggled with in May.
Stay Healthy: Do not over-study in the first week. Pace yourself.
Talk to Mentors: Reach out to your coaching teachers for a new 45-day study plan.