In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves across the nation, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination, which was conducted just over a week ago on May 3, 2026. This decision comes amid mounting allegations of a massive paper leak, prompting the government to launch a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. The scandal has ignited widespread protests, particularly in Delhi, where thousands of aggrieved students and activists have taken to the streets, demanding accountability and swift justice.

The NEET UG 2026, one of India's most high-stakes competitive exams, saw over 22.79 lakh candidates appear at more than 5,400 centers spread across 551 cities in the country and 14 abroad. The abrupt cancellation has left millions in limbo, raising serious questions about the integrity of the national examination system and exposing deep-rooted vulnerabilities in how such critical tests are administered.

Timeline of the NEET UG 2026 Controversy

The saga began innocently enough with the exam proceeding as planned on May 3. However, whispers of irregularities surfaced soon after. By May 7, the NTA received crucial inputs regarding potential malpractices. These were promptly escalated to central agencies on May 8 for independent verification. Investigative findings from law enforcement, particularly from Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG), painted a damning picture, leading to the NTA's announcement on May 12—with the full approval of the Government of India—to scrap the entire exam process.

This timeline underscores the rapid escalation from suspicion to cancellation. The NTA emphasized that while re-conducting the exam would inconvenience students and their families, upholding the sanctity of the process was paramount. Re-examination dates are to be notified separately, with existing registrations carried forward at no extra cost and fees refunded—a small solace amid the chaos.

The Guess Paper That Sparked the Firestorm

At the epicenter of the scandal is a so-called "guess paper" containing approximately 410 questions. Shockingly, around 120 of these—primarily from Chemistry and Biology sections—matched the actual exam questions exactly. Sources indicate these could account for nearly 600 out of the total 720 marks, giving a massive advantage to those who accessed it beforehand.

Preliminary probes trace the document's origins to a medical student from Churu in Rajasthan, currently pursuing studies in Kerala. It was forwarded to an associate in Sikar on May 1, then disseminated through a paying guest facility operator to coaching networks and WhatsApp groups. Priced exorbitantly at up to ₹5 lakh just days before the exam, its cost plummeted to ₹30,000 on the eve, signaling frantic last-minute sales. Digital trails from seized phones show messages "forwarded many times," highlighting the viral spread across state lines.

This isn't mere coincidence; investigators are treating it as a sophisticated operation involving career counselors and admission guides, with detentions in Dehradun, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu pointing to a multi-state syndicate.

Nationwide Protests Erupt in Response

🚨 Anger boiled over almost immediately after the NTA's announcement. In Delhi, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI)—the student wing of the Congress party—led massive demonstrations outside Shastri Bhawan, the Union Education Ministry headquarters. Placards screamed "Doctor degree on sale" and calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Heavy police barricades were deployed, but protesters persisted, voicing frustration over shattered dreams and systemic failures.

While Delhi saw the largest gatherings, outrage rippled across cities like Jaipur, Patna, and Mumbai. Students expressed mixed emotions: disappointment at wasted preparation but some relief at the cancellation preventing tainted results. "This is not a school exam; lives are at stake," one protester shouted, encapsulating the raw sentiment.

NSUI demands include a total ban on NTA operations and strict action against all culprits, framing the protests as a victory for student power while vowing to continue until justice is served.

Political Reactions Ignite a Blame Game

The scandal has quickly become a political lightning rod. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lambasted the government, alleging 89 paper leaks and 48 re-exams in competitive tests over the past decade under the Modi regime. He accused the BJP of rewarding those who "toy with students' futures," pointing to the posting of a former NTA Director General. Sachin Pilot echoed calls for a judicial probe, terming it "disheartening for millions."

On the other side, the government stresses transparency, with the NTA cooperating fully. Anand Kumar of Super 30 fame urged China-like crackdowns on coaching mafias. The opposition corners the ruling party in Parliament, while the Centre defends stringent security measures like biometric verification, AI-monitored CCTV, and 5G jammers employed during the exam.

CBI Probe Launched: Unraveling the Network

In a decisive move, the Centre has handed the case to the CBI for a thorough investigation. The premier agency has registered a formal case, promising to probe every angle—from the leak's genesis to its distribution. Rajasthan SOG's groundwork has already yielded 13 detentions, mostly linked to counseling services near coaching hubs.

Investigators are dissecting the full chain: from Kerala origins to Rajasthan hubs and beyond. Evidence includes seized devices showing widespread sharing. The NTA vows complete assistance, handing over records. This probe could expose a "paper mafia" with nationwide tentacles, similar to past scandals.

Student Voices: Heartbreak and Resolve

For the 22.79 lakh aspirants, the cancellation is a gut punch after months of grueling preparation. "We've sacrificed a year; now uncertainty looms," shared one Delhi student amid protests. Parents decry the mental toll, with families facing financial strain from coaching fees and travel.

Yet, voices of resilience emerge. Many applaud the cancellation as better than flawed results, urging reforms like online exams or decentralized testing. Social media buzzes with #JusticeForNEET aspirants sharing stories, amplifying calls for systemic overhaul.

NTA and Government Response: Safeguarding Integrity

The NTA maintains the exam adhered to protocols: GPS-tracked papers, jammers, biometrics. They acted on May 7 inputs without delay. Re-exam logistics prioritize fairness—internal NTA resources ensure no external vulnerabilities. Official channels alone will update dates and admit cards.

The government frames this as proactive protection of public trust. Full refunds and seamless carry-forward ease burdens, but critics demand root-cause fixes beyond re-tests.

A History of Exam Leaks Haunting India

This isn't isolated. Recalling 2024's Bihar NEET leak—where papers fetched ₹30-50 lakh, leading to CBI probes and Supreme Court interventions—patterns persist. Rahul Gandhi cites dozens more, from state recruitments to national tests. Multi-state gangs exploit coaching ecosystems, digital platforms fueling rapid dissemination.

Stakeholders call for tech upgrades, AI proctoring, and mafia busts. The 2026 episode amplifies urgency for a foolproof framework.

What Lies Ahead: Re-exam and Potential Reforms

As CBI digs deeper, eyes turn to re-exam timelines—likely weeks away to minimize disruption. Candidates need only await notifications; no new hurdles. Longer-term, expect debates on NTA's future, hybrid testing, and anti-leak laws.

The scandal spotlights exam security's fragility in a youth-bulging nation. Positive outcomes could birth robust safeguards, restoring faith. For now, the nation watches, protests simmer, and justice beckons.

For in-depth coverage, check NDTV's detailed report.

Photo by Tek Bahadur on Unsplash