New Delhi - The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination, a crucial medical entrance test, following allegations of a widespread paper leak. The decision, announced on May 12, 2026, comes after investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and a subsequent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. The NTA cited the need to maintain transparency and preserve trust in the national examination system as the reason for the cancellation.
The controversy erupted on May 2, 2026, when a student in Kerala allegedly sent a suspicious question paper to their father in Sikar, Rajasthan. This father, who reportedly runs a hostel, then alerted the police and the NTA, claiming several students had received what appeared to be a "question bank/guess paper." This alleged leak surfaced nearly 45 hours before the examination was scheduled to take place.
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The Rajasthan SOG initiated its investigation on May 10, 2026, and reportedly recovered a 'guess paper' containing 410 questions. Of these, approximately 120 were claimed to have matched the actual NEET paper.
Alleged 'Kingpin' Apprehended
The CBI made a significant arrest on Friday, May 15, 2026, taking PV Kulkarni, a chemistry teacher associated with the examination process on behalf of the NTA, into custody. Kulkarni has been identified as the alleged 'kingpin' behind the paper leak. Reports suggest that during preparatory sessions, Kulkarni allegedly dictated questions, answer options, and correct responses to students, who would then transcribe them into notebooks.
Widespread Outrage and Reactions
The cancellation has triggered considerable unrest among students, parents, and educators across the country. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions and demands for accountability. While the NTA stated the examination centers were monitored with "AI-assisted CCTV surveillance" and question papers transported in "GPS-enabled vehicles with unique watermark identifiers," these assurances have been met with skepticism by many.
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Background and NTA's Stance
The NTA had previously maintained that the examination process was "leak-proof" and that "all question papers and confidential materials have safely reached the last destination with the highest level of security." In a statement released on May 12, 2026, the agency confirmed the cancellation and advised candidates to rely solely on official communications for updates on the revised examination schedule. The agency had earlier referred matters under consideration to the SOG on May 8, 2026. Despite the allegations, one report indicated that a court had ruled out any systemic failure on the part of the NTA in conducting the examination.
Protests against the government have been organized by various student groups, including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) in Delhi. Various political figures and student bodies have voiced strong criticism, framing the incident as a result of "governmental negligence" and a "corrupt system."
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