The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and announced that the medical entrance test will be held again. The decision has been taken after inputs examined by the NTA in coordination with central agencies and investigative findings shared by law enforcement agencies.
As per the NTA, the revised examination dates and re-issued admit card schedule will be announced separately through the official channels of the Agency. Candidates and parents have been advised not to rely on unverified reports circulating on social media.
The development follows NTA’s earlier press release dated May 10, 2026. The Agency had referred the matters under consideration to central agencies on May 8, 2026, for independent verification and necessary action.
Later on an interview with ANI, Faisal Khan, AKA Khan Sir, an educator from Patna, Bihar mentioned that, “This is nothing short of playing with the lives and futures of lakhs of students. Their confidence is being shattered".
He further pointed out that a similar incident had taken place in 2024 as well, raising serious questions about the credibility and preparedness of the examination system.
“The most shocking part is that the information about the paper leak was first brought forward by the students, and not by any of the agencies responsible for organising the examination. This clearly shows a serious failure on the part of the authorities,” he added.
Criticising the National Testing Agency, he said, “NTA should now be called the ‘Never Trustable Agency’. Even a ₹10 diaper does not leak, but our examination papers do.”
He demanded that the matter be handed over to the CBI for a fair and transparent investigation. He also suggested that a retired Supreme Court judge should be appointed as an observer to monitor the probe and ensure that it is completed within a fixed timeline.
Also Read: Galgotias University Students Launch 34 iOS Apps on Apple App Store
NTA stated that,
“In continuation of its press release dated 10 May 2026, the National Testing Agency wishes to inform candidates, parents, and members of the public of the following decisions taken in respect of NEET (UG) 2026. NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration to the central agencies for independent verification and necessary action, consistent with its standing commitment to the fair, secure, and credible conduct of the national examinations entrusted to it.”
“On the basis of the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and in order to ensure that there is transparency in the system, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately.
The inputs received by NTA, taken together with the findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, established that the present examination process could not be allowed to stand. The re-conducted examination dates, along with the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be communicated through the official channels of the Agency in the coming days.”
This means the NEET UG 2026 result process for the May 3 exam will not move forward, as the examination itself has been cancelled and will now be conducted again.
As per the NTA:
“The Government of India has further decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations therein. NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires.”
The CBI inquiry will examine the allegations and related findings shared by law enforcement agencies. The NTA has said it will provide full cooperation, including all required materials and records.
Also Read: From Gurukuls to Generative AI: India’s Education Evolution Story
Will Students Need Fresh Registration?
No. Candidates will not have to register again for the re-conducted NEET UG 2026 examination. The NTA has clarified that the registration data and candidature from the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward.
Will Exam Centres Change?
As per the NTA, the examination centres opted for by candidates in the May 2026 cycle will also be carried forward to the re-conducted examination. However, candidates should wait for the re-issued admit cards for final details regarding centre allotment, reporting time and exam-day instructions.
NTA stated:
“The registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied. In addition, fees already paid, will be refunded to the students and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA’s internal resources.”
This confirms that students will not need to submit a fresh application or pay any additional fee. The fee already paid will also be refunded.
Revised Exam Date and Admit Card Schedule Awaited
The NTA has not yet announced the revised NEET UG 2026 examination date. The fresh schedule and admit card release date will be communicated later through official NTA channels.
More from Education:
AP Intermediate 1st Year Results 2026 Declared: 77% Pass Rate Highest in 12 Years
FAQs
Q1. Has NEET UG 2026 been cancelled?
Yes. The National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026.
Q2. Will NEET UG 2026 be conducted again?
Yes. NTA has announced that NEET UG 2026 will be re-conducted on dates that will be notified separately.
Q3. Will students need to register again for NEET UG 2026 re-exam?
No. NTA has clarified that registration data and candidature from the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward.
Q4. Will candidates have to pay an additional fee?
No. No additional examination fee will be charged for the re-conducted NEET UG 2026 exam.
Q5. Will NEET UG 2026 exam centres change?
As per NTA, examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted examination.
Q6. Will NEET UG 2026 fees be refunded?
Yes. NTA has said that fees already paid by students will be refunded.
Q7. When will the new NEET UG 2026 exam date be announced?
The revised NEET UG 2026 exam date will be announced separately through official NTA channels.