NEET UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Announces Free Re-Exam, 14 Arrested in Paper Leak Case
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made a decisive move in response to the controversy surrounding the NEET UG 2026 examination. After allegations of a significant paper leak emerged, the agency has announced that the medical entrance test will be conducted again, with no additional fees charged to candidates. The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation that has already led to multiple arrests across state lines.
NTA’s Official Announcement on the Re-Exam
The NTA has released a formal statement addressing the situation, providing clarity to the lakhs of students who appeared for the exam on May 3. The agency has confirmed that all registered candidates from the May 2026 session will have their existing information, eligibility status, and allotted examination centers remain valid for the re-test.
Key points from the NTA’s announcement include:
- No fresh registration will be required for the re-examination
- Candidates will not be charged any additional examination fee
- Previously deposited examination fees will be refunded to all students
- The re-exam will be organized using the NTA’s internal resources
- The new examination date and admit card details will be published on the official website shortly
- Students and parents have been urged to rely solely on official communications and avoid spreading or believing rumors
How the Scandal Unfolded
The trouble began when a document referred to as a “guess paper” started circulating among students just one night before the scheduled examination. On the evening of May 2, this material was shared through various WhatsApp groups and later distributed in physical photocopy form at several locations.
Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), confirmed the development, stating that the guess paper had indeed surfaced on WhatsApp and was also found at a photocopy shop. He added that an investigation was underway to trace the origin of the leak.
The Price Tag on the Leaked Material
According to investigating agencies, the so-called guess paper was initially sold to certain students for amounts ranging between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh. However, as the material spread, its price reportedly dropped to as low as ₹30,000. Investigators are now working to determine exactly how the money changed hands and who was involved at various levels of this distribution network.
Kerala Connection Revealed
Multiple media reports have suggested that the Rajasthan SOG’s investigation has uncovered a link to Kerala. A sample paper containing approximately 150 questions that matched the actual exam was reportedly sent to Sikar from the southern state. According to reports, on May 1, a counselor named Rakesh Mandaria received the guess paper from a student from Churu who was pursuing an MBBS degree in Kerala. The student reportedly informed Mandaria that these guess papers were being sold in South India. From there, the material allegedly made its way to coaching institutes, photocopy shops, and ultimately to students.
Striking Similarities in Biology and Chemistry Sections
The investigation has revealed that a substantial number of questions in the viral guess paper matched those in the actual examination. The similarity was particularly pronounced in the biology and chemistry sections. The guess paper reportedly contained around 410 questions, of which approximately 120 were allegedly identical to questions asked in the chemistry portion of the real exam.
This level of overlap transformed what might have been dismissed as a mere “guess paper” into a full-fledged paper leak investigation, with authorities now examining the possibility of an organized racket operating behind the scenes.
Timeline of Complaints and Police Response
On the very day of the examination, some students filed a formal complaint at the Udyog Nagar police station in Sikar. They alleged that certain individuals had access to a guess paper containing numerous questions that later appeared in the actual test. However, the local police reportedly did not treat the matter with the seriousness it deserved at that time.
The situation escalated when the NTA received complaints and intelligence inputs regarding the alleged irregularities on the evening of May 7. By the morning of May 8, the agency had forwarded this information to central investigating agencies, setting the stage for a broader probe.
NTA’s Defense of Exam Security Measures
In response to the growing controversy, the NTA issued an official statement defending the security protocols that were supposedly in place during the May 3 examination. According to the agency:
- Question papers were transported to examination centers in vehicles equipped with GPS tracking
- Each question paper carried a unique watermark for identification purposes
- Examination centers were monitored using AI-based CCTV surveillance systems
- Biometric verification was conducted for all candidates
- 5G signal jammers were active at all test centers
Despite these claims, the NTA acknowledged that it received inputs about irregularities on May 7 and subsequently forwarded them to the appropriate agencies for investigation.
Raids and Searches in Sikar
Given the severity of the situation, SOG teams descended on Sikar to conduct ground-level investigations. Multiple hostels in the area were searched, and students and young men were questioned extensively. Investigators have also examined mobile phones, WhatsApp conversations, call detail records, and various other digital evidence.
The SOG is currently focused on determining the exact origin of the guess paper, identifying who prepared it, and understanding how such a large number of questions managed to align with the actual examination paper.
Key Developments in the Case So Far
Here is a chronological summary of the major events in this unfolding scandal:
- May 3, 2026: NEET UG examination was conducted across the country as scheduled
- Prior to the exam: A “guess paper” circulated among students via WhatsApp and photocopy shops
- Investigation revealed that over 100 questions in the guess paper matched the actual exam
- Students in Sikar filed the first complaint at the Udyog Nagar police station
- Rajasthan SOG launched an investigation under the leadership of ADG Vishal Bansal
- May 7 evening: NTA received complaints regarding irregularities
- May 8: NTA referred the matter to central investigating agencies
- Initial findings confirmed the public circulation of the guess paper
- 13 suspects were arrested in Jhunjhunu
- One additional suspect named Rajesh was apprehended in Dehradun
- Total arrests in the case have reached 14
- May 12: NTA officially cancelled the examination
Arrests Across State Boundaries
During the course of the investigation, the Rajasthan SOG received intelligence that a wanted suspect was hiding in Dehradun. The Rajasthan police promptly contacted their counterparts in Uttarakhand and shared the relevant information.
Acting on this input, the Dehradun police conducted an operation in the Dalhanwala police station area and took the suspect into custody. According to City Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar, the young man was questioned before the Rajasthan police were notified of his apprehension.
With this latest arrest, the total number of people detained in connection with the case has exceeded 14. Questions have also been raised about why the Rajasthan SOG delayed filing an FIR despite the availability of substantial evidence at an earlier stage.
Investigation Continues as SOG Remains Active
The Rajasthan SOG is continuing its comprehensive investigation into the matter. Investigative agencies are working to determine whether this was an isolated incident involving a guess paper or part of a larger, more organized paper leak network operating across multiple states.
The NTA has stated that it will not reach any conclusions until the investigation is complete. According to the agency, all facts uncovered by the investigating agencies will be made public through established procedures, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Students have been repeatedly advised to await official announcements and refrain from acting on unverified information circulating on social media platforms.
