The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted on June 21, 2026, following the cancellation of the original exam amid the nationwide paper leak controversy.
The decision comes days after the government cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3 after allegations surfaced that question papers had been leaked and circulated across multiple states before the test. The controversy triggered massive protests among students, parents, and education activists, forcing the Centre to order a CBI investigation into the matter.
According to reports, the revised exam date was approved by the Government of India after consultations with the National Testing Agency and law enforcement agencies investigating the leak. Fresh admit cards and updated examination guidelines are expected to be released soon on the official NTA and NEET websites.
The paper leak scandal reportedly began after a “guess paper” circulated in Rajasthan’s Sikar coaching hub showed major similarities with the actual NEET question paper. Investigators later found evidence suggesting that the leaked material had spread through multiple states including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, and Delhi.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the scandal and is currently investigating the possibility of insider involvement in the examination process. Multiple arrests have already been made across several states, while raids and custodial interrogations are continuing.
Reports indicate that around 22 lakh students will now have to reappear for the highly competitive medical entrance examination. The cancellation has sparked major anxiety among aspirants who had already spent months preparing for the exam.
Meanwhile, the controversy has reignited debates around examination security and the functioning of the National Testing Agency. Education experts and student organisations have demanded major reforms, including secure digital exam systems and stronger anti-leak mechanisms.
Students have been advised to rely only on official announcements from the NTA and avoid believing unverified social media rumours regarding exam patterns, syllabus changes, or admit card release dates.
