The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026. This significant decision comes in the wake of widespread allegations and evidence regarding a paper leak that compromised the integrity of the examination. The NEET UG 2026 was conducted across the country on May 3, with a massive turnout of over 22 lakh candidates. Following the confirmation of irregularities, the government has decided to hand over the entire investigation of the paper leak case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move aims to ensure a thorough and impartial probe into the security breach that has affected millions of medical aspirants.
The Rajasthan Connection and SOG Investigation
The controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak first emerged from Sikar, Rajasthan. Initially, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police was tasked with investigating the matter. In the preliminary stages of the probe, the SOG maintained that there was no definitive proof of the main question paper being leaked. However, as the investigation deepened, the SOG admitted that a 'guess paper' had gone viral on various platforms before the actual exam date. It was later discovered that the questions in this viral document bore a striking resemblance to the ones featured in the official NEET UG 2026 question paper, leading to the eventual admission of a breach.
Extent of the Leak: Subject-wise Breakdown
Detailed forensic analysis by the SOG revealed that between 120 and 150 questions in the main exam were identical to those found in the leaked guess paper. Out of the total 180 questions that comprise the NEET UG exam, such a high degree of similarity pointed towards a systemic failure. Specifically, the investigation highlighted that 30 questions from the Chemistry section and up to 90 questions from the Biology section were exactly the same as the leaked content. Also, the probe indicated that the set of questions was leaked after the paper had been finalized but before it reached the printing stage. This specific timing suggests that the leak occurred during the transition phase of the paper-setting process.
NTA's Statement on Cancellation and Transparency
In its official communication regarding the cancellation, the NTA emphasized its commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the examination process. The agency stated that it would provide full cooperation to the CBI during the investigation. While acknowledging the immense hardship and stress this decision would cause to the 22 lakh candidates and their parents, the NTA clarified that scrapping the exam was necessary to protect the trust of the student community. The agency reiterated that ensuring a fair and merit-based selection process is its top priority, and any compromise on the examination's security wouldn't be tolerated.
Guidelines for Re-examination and Candidates
The NTA has urged all candidates and their guardians to remain vigilant and not fall prey to rumors circulating on social media platforms. It's advised to rely solely on official notifications issued by the NTA for any updates regarding the new exam schedule. The agency is working towards organizing the re-test in a secure and transparent manner to minimize further delays in the academic calendar for medical admissions, while the investigation by the CBI is expected to identify the culprits behind the leak and prevent such occurrences in the future.