NEET UG 2026 cancelled after alleged paper leak; NTA orders re-NEET
The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET UG 2026 following allegations of a paper leak in the exam held on May 3, 2026 . More than 24 lakh candidates who sat the test will have to appear again when the NTA conducts the re-exam (re-NEET).
Students across cities staged protests and described the move as a betrayal after months of preparation. Several aspirants reported mental exhaustion and academic disruption from repeated attempts and uncertainty about the next steps.
NEET UG 2026 cancelled: scale and immediate impact
The cancellation affects every candidate who appeared on May 3, 2026 . The NTA has said it will hold a re-NEET, but a specific date and registration window for the re-exam have not been released.
Aspirants expressed concerns about fairness and the examination system. Patna-based aspirant Divya Keshri, attempting NEET for the third time, said rumours of a leak surfaced on the evening of the exam and the cancellation has left her unsure about how to restart preparation.
NEET UG 2026 cancelled — timeline, student reactions and coaching response
Claims of leaks emerged on the evening of the test. Students reported wide swings between mock-test performance and exam-day scores, with some saying coaching tests scored around 400 while the actual paper yielded about 200 for them.
Devanshu, another aspirant, described repeated cycles of preparation as “emotionally draining” and said many believe any cheating would have to happen before exam distribution rather than at centres with strict checking.
In response to the cancellation, coaching providers have begun offering short-term re-prep options. Aakash Institute announced a Re-NEET 2026 batch priced at Rs. 99 , starting 16th May 2026 , aimed at candidates preparing for the re-exam.
What candidates need to know now
If you appeared on May 3, you must be prepared to re-register and reappear once the NTA announces dates. Expect official instructions from the NTA on fees, timelines and any additional security measures before the re-NEET.
Key immediate facts: the exam on May 3, 2026 was cancelled due to alleged paper leak; over 24 lakh aspirants are affected; NTA will hold a re-NEET; Aakash’s re-prep batch begins 16th May 2026 at Rs. 99 .
Officials have not yet released a full timeline, refund or compensation details, or new security protocols. Candidates should watch official NTA channels and communicate with their coaching institutes for registration and preparation guidance.