The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exam on May 12, 2026, nine days after over 2.3 million students took the test. The cancellation followed allegations of a widespread paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now heading the investigation, with arrests reported across multiple states.
NEET-UG 2026 Exam Disruption
The NEET-UG 2026 exam was administered on May 3, 2026 . It took place in 551 cities and 14 international locations. A record 96.92% of registered students participated. The NTA initially reported the exam proceeded smoothly, incorporating anti-cheating measures.
However, coaching centers began releasing answer keys shortly after the exam. Students also reported a digital question bank containing 410 questions circulating on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram before the exam date.
Investigation Uncovers Leak
An alert from a whistleblower reached the NTA on May 7 . This alert detailed matching questions found on messaging platforms. The NTA then alerted law enforcement agencies.
Police in Rajasthan initiated a probe. They discovered evidence of a handwritten PDF of exam questions on mobile phones. This was found on individuals in Sikar and Jaipur as early as May 1 and May 2 . Investigators confirmed that 135 questions from the circulated question bank precisely matched the actual exam paper.
CBI Takes Over, Re-exam Announced
Following the confirmed leak, the NTA announced the exam's cancellation. A re-exam date was set for June 21, 2026 . The CBI registered a case and launched its investigation.
CBI findings indicate a primary agent, identified as Dinesh Biwal, scanned digital copies of the final draft paper. These copies were then distributed to 'safe houses.' Students allegedly paid up to ₹30 lakhs for the answers. The CBI is also examining potential infiltration within the translation and printing processes.
Calls for NTA Reform
Multiple petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court. These petitions call for a complete overhaul of the NTA. Petitioners argue the NTA has failed to ensure the security of paper-and-pen examinations. They are seeking the dissolution of the NTA or its replacement by an independent statutory evaluation authority.
As millions of students prepare for the June 21 re-exam , the focus remains on the CBI investigation. The agency is tasked with identifying those responsible for the paper leak and taking appropriate action. Students and parents seek assurance of a fair and secure examination process.
Future Exam Security
The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal has intensified scrutiny over exam security in India. The ongoing CBI investigation aims to provide clarity and accountability. Authorities are considering a shift to Computer Based Test (CBT) for future NEET exams.
The current controversies have led to several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed before the Supreme Court. Petitioners are demanding the NTA's dissolution. They also advocate for a new, independent statutory body to oversee evaluations. Some proposals include highly secure CBT formats with AI monitoring and biometric verification, as recommended by the K. Radhakrishnan committee.
