NTA Cancels NEET UG 2026 Over Paper Leak

India's National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination on May 12, nine days after it took place on May 3, following allegations of a question paper leak that prompted the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a First Information Report.

The exam, conducted for nearly 23 lakh candidates across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas centers, determines admissions to undergraduate medical courses nationwide. Authorities received reports of irregularities on May 7, including a handwritten questionnaire circulated in Sikar, Rajasthan, a major coaching hub, starting May 1. The document contained over 300 questions in physics, chemistry and biology, with approximately 140 matching the actual exam questions exactly, including answer option sequences in some cases. Each question carried four marks, accounting for about 600 of the 720 total marks.

Rajasthan's Special Operations Group initially probed the material, tracing it to an MBBS student from Churu studying in Kerala, who allegedly shared it with contacts. It spread rapidly through paying guest accommodations, coaching networks, career counselors and aspirants via encrypted apps and social media, with copies sold...