NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled, CBI to investigate irregularities
New Delhi, May 12: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to cancel the NEET-UG 2026 exam and conduct a re-examination. The agency made this decision based on alleged irregularities in the exam and inputs received from investigating agencies. The central government has also handed over a comprehensive investigation of the entire matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In a statement on Tuesday, the NTA said that the NEET-UG 2026 exam process, scheduled for May 3, cannot be continued under the current circumstances. The decision to cancel and re-conduct the exam was taken to maintain transparency, fairness, and students’ confidence in the examination system. The new exam date and schedule for the re-issuance of admit cards will be announced soon through official channels. The NTA has appealed to candidates and parents to rely only on official information and avoid unverified news circulating on social media.
The statement stated that the government has decided to hand over the detailed investigation of the matter to the CBI, and the NTA will provide all necessary documents, records, and cooperation to the investigating agency.
The NTA also clarified that the data, candidate status, and selected examination centers of candidates who registered for the May 2026 cycle will remain valid for the upcoming re-examination. There will be no need for re-registration, and no additional examination fees will be charged.
The agency stated that the examination fees already deposited by students will be refunded, and the NTA will conduct the re-examination through its internal resources.
The NTA acknowledged that the re-examination will cause inconvenience to students and their families, but this step was necessary to maintain confidence in the examination system.
