On NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled following paper leak allegations, Congress leader Tikaram Jully says, "The NEET exam that has been suspended today, the police here received its complaints earlier, but they neglected them. .. Why did the Rajasthan police not register an FIR against this and consider it a paper leak? Its investigation should be held under the guidance of the judiciary... The paper mafia has its network across the country..."

#NDTVExclusive | "This has become a business for particular gangs, there needs to be thorough and severe investigation" : Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) speaks to NDTV's @VedikaS on NEET UG 2026 exam cancellation pic.twitter.com/zCmFUWgokD

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 12, 2026

NTA Chief told NDTV that the agency remains committed to conducting a fair and transparent examination process. He said the decision to cancel NEET UG 2026 was taken after reports and inputs related to an alleged paper leak surfaced. Calling the situation "embarrassing," the NTA chief added that ensuring a fair examination for students remains the top priority of the agency.

#WATCH | Delhi: Vinod Jakhar, National President of NSUI, says, "Students from every corner of the nation are out on the streets. NEET aspirants are out on the streets. Where is the government? Today, the future of those who prepared for the NEET examination with utmost diligence… https://t.co/z3BPujUvsi pic.twitter.com/CnxjYyz3kv

— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026

For now, much depends on what the ongoing investigation uncovers - including the strength of evidence, the geographical spread of the alleged leak, when the papers were printed, transported and distributed, and how many candidates may actually have been involved. For honest and hardworking students, the situation has become deeply discouraging. 

The uncertainty surrounding another examination, along with doubts over the integrity of the paper, has created a major psychological burden. Adding to the confusion is the spread of misinformation online, where several influencers are reportedly using the controversy for views and engagement. In the end, the biggest impact is often faced by sincere students who prepared honestly but now find themselves anxious and uncertain about their future.

A possible explanation for why only around 140 questions matched is that the individual responsible for the alleged leak may have had access to both question paper sets, but may not have known which set would ultimately be used on exam day. As a result, nearly 300 questions from both sets may have been circulated. Since only one set was eventually used, the remaining questions naturally did not appear in the exam. This theory can only be verified if the NTA releases the alternate set or officially confirms that the unmatched questions belonged to a reserved paper set.

Amid leak allegations, Centre cancels NEET-UG 2026; Re-test to be held, matter referred to CBI
NDTV's @ShreyaG9401, @TanushkaDutta join @VedikaS with more details pic.twitter.com/JVmT6M1uyy

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 12, 2026

The cancellation follows allegations of large-scale malpractices, primarily centred on a pre-circulated "guess paper" that reportedly matched around 120 questions in Chemistry and showed significant overlaps in Biology with the actual NEET UG 2026 question paper. According to reports, this material had reached coaching hubs such as Sikar up to a month in advance and was allegedly sold to aspirants for sums as high as 730,000 even the night before the exam, prompting investigations by Rajasthan's Special Operations Group that included raids and questioning of multiple individuals.

This cancellation comes against the backdrop of recurring controversies surrounding the exam. In 2024, widespread allegations of question paper leaks, irregularities, and unusual scoring patterns had triggered nationwide protests, arrests, and judicial intervention, including by the Supreme Court. Similar concerns had surfaced in the run-up to the 2026 examination, prompting investigations by agencies such as Rajasthan's Special Operations Group.

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress party, staged massive sit-in protests outside the education ministry near Shastri Bhawan welcoming the cancellation while demanding stricter accountability and systemic reforms. NSUI activists raised slogans against the NTA and called for a complete overhaul of the examination process to prevent future leaks, and demanding swift action against those involved in the alleged irregularities.

The alleged leak appears to have been limited mainly to Sikar and nearby regions. Following its 2024 stance, the court may once again conclude that the leak was selective and geographically restricted, reducing the possibility of a nationwide re-NEET. At most, a re-examination may only be considered for affected regions. The NTA is also likely to maintain this position to protect institutional credibility, while the government may argue that a nationwide retest would unfairly burden lakhs of students who had no involvement in the irregularities.

Out of the total 360 questions across both sets, nearly 140 questions in the released paper reportedly appear to match the alleged leaked questions. While many believe such an overlap is statistically impossible to be a coincidence, the court may still consider that a 40 per cent overlap alone does not conclusively prove a leak - especially since no one was found possessing the actual paper and no electronic leak has yet been officially established.

On sunday, the NTA had said it was investigating with agencies after reports emerged of alleged irregularities linked to the Rajasthan Special Operations Group probe into the conduct of NEET (UG) 2026.

In continuation of its press release dated 10 May 2026, the National Testing Agency wishes to inform candidates, parents, and members of the public of the following decisions taken in respect of NEET (UG) 2026. NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration…

— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) May 12, 2026