The cancellation of NEET UG 2026 has created widespread uncertainty among medical aspirants across the country. Within less than two weeks, an examination conducted under tight security came under intense scrutiny after allegations emerged that a set of questions circulating before the test closely matched the actual paper.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) today announced the cancellation of the examination conducted on May 3, as investigations widened and public pressure intensified. Here is a detailed timeline of how the controversy unfolded.
May 3: NEET UG 2026 Conducted for Over 22 Lakh Students
NEET UG 2026 was conducted on May 3 at centres across India. According to the NTA, multiple security measures were implemented to ensure the fairness of the examination process. Students appeared for the test without any immediate reports of major irregularities.
For a brief period, the examination process appeared to have concluded smoothly, and many aspirants began discussing expected cut-offs and answer keys.
May 6-7: Social Media Discussions Raise Suspicion
Within a few days of the exam, students and coaching institutes began raising concerns on social media about a so-called "guess paper" that allegedly contained questions similar to those asked in NEET UG 2026.
The discussion spread rapidly, particularly in Rajasthan, where reports suggested that study material resembling the actual question paper had been circulating before the examination.
May 7: NTA Acknowledges Complaints
As the controversy gained momentum, the NTA stated that it had received information regarding possible malpractice from certain regions, including Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. While officials did not confirm any paper leak, they acknowledged that the complaints were serious enough to warrant further verification.
May 8: Central Agencies Asked To Investigate
On May 8, the matter was referred to central agencies for a detailed investigation. Authorities began examining whether the reported similarities were coincidental or linked to organised malpractice. The NTA also shared technical and examination-related details with investigators to support the probe.
May 10: Rajasthan SOG Investigation Comes Into Focus
The controversy escalated after the Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) confirmed it was investigating alleged irregularities linked to NEET UG 2026.
Investigators reportedly recovered a large set of questions that were allegedly circulated before the exam. Officials claimed that several Biology and Chemistry questions appeared nearly identical to those in the actual paper.
Searches and questioning were conducted across multiple cities as the investigation widened.
May 11: Matching Question Claims Trigger Nationwide Outrage
The controversy intensified after reports claimed that a significant number of questions from the circulated material matched the actual exam paper. The allegations sparked strong reactions from students, parents, and coaching institutes across the country.
Soon after, political leaders also entered the debate, accusing the authorities of failing to protect the integrity of one of India's most important entrance examinations.
As public outrage grew, Rajasthan SOG reportedly detained and questioned several individuals suspected of being linked to the circulation of the material. However, officials maintained that the investigation was still ongoing and that final conclusions had not yet been reached.
May 12: NTA Cancels NEET UG 2026
The NTA officially cancelled NEET UG 2026 on May 12. The agency announced that a fresh examination would be conducted on revised dates, which will be notified later.