The National Testing Agency (NTA), has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 and announced that the medical entrance test will be held again on fresh dates to be notified separately.
The decision comes amid mounting scrutiny over the conduct of the country’s largest medical entrance examination and revives concerns over the credibility of the testing process, especially after NEET-UG 2025 had also faced allegations of irregularities and was partially affected by cancellations and re-tests in select centres.
The development marks the second consecutive year in which NEET has been hit by disruption, raising fresh questions over examination security, and administrative preparedness.
Last year, the examination conducted in May also witnessed biometric authentication glitches at multiple centres, leading to confusion and delays for several candidates.
In Indore, torrential rain triggered power cuts at examination venues, compelling students to take the test under poor lighting conditions. Backup emergency lights reportedly functioned for only around 10 minutes before failing, sparking protests from candidates who alleged that the disruption affected their performance.
The Centre has also handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed probe into the alleged irregularities surrounding the examination, according to ANI report.
In an official statement, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said the decision to cancel NEET-UG 2026 was taken after reviewing inputs in coordination with central agencies, along with findings shared by law enforcement authorities, which raised serious concerns over the sanctity of the examination process.
“Based on inputs examined by the NTA in coordination with central agencies, and investigative findings shared by law enforcement agencies, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and re-conduct the examination on dates that will be announced separately,” the agency said.
The NTA stated that the existing examination process “could not be allowed to continue” in light of the concerns flagged during the investigation.
The agency further confirmed that the Government of India has referred the matter to the CBI for a “comprehensive inquiry” into the allegations. It added that the NTA would fully cooperate with the investigation and provide all necessary records, materials and assistance sought by the Bureau.
Acknowledging the distress caused to students and parents, the agency said the move was necessary to safeguard public confidence in the examination system. “The decision has been taken because the alternative would have caused greater and more lasting damage to that trust,” the statement said.
The NTA clarified that candidates who had registered for the May 2026 examination would not be required to apply again. Existing registration details, candidature data and chosen examination centres will remain valid for the re-test, and no additional examination fee will be charged.
The agency also said that fees already paid by candidates would be refunded, while the re-examination would be conducted using NTA’s internal resources. Fresh dates for the examination and the revised admit card schedule are expected to be announced through official channels in the coming days.
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