A massive protest erupted near Shastri Bhawan in Delhi on Tuesday after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination, affecting over 24 lakh aspirants nationwide. The decision followed evidence of a significant paper leak, with over 100 questions from the actual exam matching pre-circulated guess papers. Students, led by the NSUI, demanded a transparent investigation and fresh dates for the re-examination.
Students Demand Accountability
NSUI President Vinod Jakhar alleged that students' futures were compromised and called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a ban on the NTA, and a Supreme Court-monitored probe. Heavy police deployment was seen across key areas as slogans against the government and NTA filled the air.
Re-examination Schedule to Be Announced
Officials confirmed that the re-examination schedule and revised admit card details will be released in the coming days. The NTA assured full cooperation with investigating agencies, including the CBI, and stated that all records would be shared to aid the probe.
Centre Orders CBI Probe
The Centre handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged paper leak and organized malpractice network. The move aims to ensure an impartial and transparent inquiry into irregularities reported from multiple states.
Rajasthan Police Investigation
Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) had already begun probing suspicious question sets circulated before the exam. Investigators claimed that over 100 questions from biology and chemistry matched the final NEET paper, raising serious concerns about examination integrity.
How the Paper Was Leaked
The exam was conducted on May 3, but soon after, allegations of a paper leak surfaced, triggering multiple parallel investigations by state police and central agencies. Authorities are now examining how pre-circulated question sets may have reached candidates before the national exam.
NTA Cites Transparency
The NTA stated that the cancellation decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India to maintain transparency and preserve trust in the national examination system. It added that the exam would be re-conducted on dates to be notified later through official channels.
Students across the country are awaiting fresh dates, with many expressing anxiety over the delay. The incident has sparked a broader debate on the security of competitive exams in India.
