The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 has been officially cancelled following an investigation that uncovered significant similarities between a leaked document and the actual examination paper. Officials from the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) reported that over 100 questions in Biology and Chemistry closely matched the content of a so-called guess paper that circulated weeks before the exam. The alleged leak, which was distributed through WhatsApp and coaching networks, is believed to have been sold for up to ₹5 lakh. The Centre has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and announced a re-examination amid nationwide outrage and anxiety among students.
Details of the Leak Investigation
The Rajasthan SOG, which led the initial probe, found that the leaked PDF contained questions worth nearly 600 marks. Investigators confirmed that the matches were not coincidental but indicated a deliberate breach of the examination process. The PDF was reportedly shared through encrypted messaging apps and by coaching centers, with claims that it was a high-accuracy guess paper. The SOG has arrested several individuals in connection with the case, including coaching center owners and middlemen.
Reactions and Government Response
The cancellation of NEET UG 2026 has sparked widespread protests across the country. Students and parents have demanded strict action against those responsible for the leak. The Ministry of Education stated that the re-examination will be conducted within the next few months, and the new date will be announced soon. The CBI has been tasked with investigating the source of the leak and identifying all individuals involved. The government has assured that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, including enhanced security protocols for examination papers.
This is not the first time NEET has faced controversies over paper leaks. In previous years, similar incidents led to the cancellation of exams and the formation of special task forces. However, the scale of this leak, with over 100 questions matching, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination system. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has also come under scrutiny for its handling of the examination process.
Impact on Students
Approximately 1.5 million students had registered for NEET UG 2026, which is the primary entrance exam for medical and dental colleges in India. The cancellation has caused immense stress and uncertainty among aspirants, many of whom had prepared for months. The government has urged students to remain calm and has promised that the re-examination will be fair and transparent. Counseling sessions have been arranged at various centers to address student concerns.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that the sanctity of medical entrance exams is restored. The CBI probe is expected to uncover the full extent of the leak and bring the perpetrators to book.
