India's largest undergraduate medical entrance examination, NEET UG 2026, has been cancelled due to a paper leak controversy. The exam was conducted on May 3, 2026, and around 22 lakh students appeared for it. The cancellation came after reports emerged that a handwritten document containing exam questions had been circulating among students before the examination.
The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) began investigating the matter and confirmed that over 100 questions from the Biology and Chemistry sections showed 'striking similarities' to the actual exam paper. It is estimated that the similarities could account for nearly 600 of the 720 total marks.
The probe found that the 'guess paper' originated from a Churu-based MBBS student who sent it to an associate in Sikar, a major coaching centre hub in Rajasthan. The document was reportedly sold for as much as ₹5 lakh two days before the exam and was circulated through coaching networks and messaging apps.
Thirteen suspects were detained from Dehradun, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu, and the cancellation was announced on May 12. The National Testing Agency (NTA) referred to 'alleged malpractice activity' and 'alleged irregularities' but did not use the phrase 'paper leak' in any official statement.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi alleged that the future of 22 lakh children was 'openly auctioned off in the marketplace' and that the 'corrupt BJP regime' was responsible for the cancellation. The NTA has announced that there will be a re-examination, dates for which are yet to be announced.
