12 May 2026 – India’s most competitive medical entrance test has been cancelled — again. The National Testing Agency, acting with central government approval, formally voided the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3, after investigators uncovered what appears to be a systematic, organised paper leak that compromised the integrity of the entire sitting. The leaked material reportedly contained all 90 Biology and all 45 Chemistry questions from the actual exam, and is believed to have been sourced from a printing facility in Jaipur before spreading across six locations: Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Dehradun, Jaipur, and Kerala.
Over 22 lakh students appeared for the examination. The Centre has ordered a CBI probe into the paper leak allegations. Approximately 15 individuals have already been taken in for questioning, and the NTA has pledged to hand over all relevant data, documentation, and technical records to support the inquiry.
The political fallout was instant and fierce. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi declared “It’s not an exam anymore — NEET is now an auction,” as Congress demanded accountability. AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal alleged political collusion, pointing out that this is the fourth time in recent years the exam has faced a leak scandal. A re-examination date has not yet been announced, leaving millions of aspiring doctors and their families in agonising uncertainty heading into admission season.
