NEET-UG 2026 cancelled after question paper leak, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The NEET-UG 2026 exam, held on May 3, was cancelled by the NTA due to a question paper leak.
• A re-test schedule will be announced by the NTA in 7-10 days, with no new registration or fees required.
• Approximately 22 lakh students appeared for the cancelled NEET-UG 2026 exam.
• The CBI has registered a case to investigate the alleged paper leak, prompted by a reference from the Department of Higher Education.

Detailed Insights:

• A whistleblower's message on May 7 revealed a "guess paper" with questions matching the actual exam, leading to investigations.
• The NTA verified the circulating PDF and confirmed the presence of similar questions, compromising the exam's integrity.
• The CBI has formed special teams to investigate the leak, invoking provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act.

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• Preliminary investigations indicate that a handwritten "guess" paper was circulated in Rajasthan's Sikar before the exam.
• The NTA acknowledges the inconvenience of a re-test but emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in the examination process.
• Switching to computer-based tests (CBTs) is a policy decision for the Union Ministry of Education, considering the capacity to test 1.5 lakh students per day versus the 22 lakh aspirants.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Testing Agency (NTA): An agency responsible for conducting entrance examinations for higher education institutions in India.
• NEET-UG: A national-level entrance exam for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical programs in India.
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The premier investigating police agency in India.