NEET UG 2026 Cancelled: NEET UG 2026 Cancelled—Did the NEET Paper Leak Originate in Nashik? When Will the Exam Be Held Now?
NEET Paper Leak Case Latest News: NEET UG 2026 Cancelled. Amidst the growing anxiety among lakhs of students regarding NEET UG 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has taken a major and crucial decision. Following allegations of a paper leak, the NEET UG 2026 examination has been cancelled, and the exam will now be conducted afresh. The NTA has clearly stated that, given the prevailing circumstances, it was not possible to proceed with the examination process.
**NTA DG Abhishek Singh Issues Strong Statement**
Adopting a tough stance on the paper leak issue, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh asserted that no individual involved in this malpractice would be spared. He stated, "Whether an insider or an outsider—whoever is involved in this—we urge the CBI to arrest them and ensure they receive strict punishment, so that such incidents can be eradicated forever." This statement makes it clear that the agency is now determined to root out the problem entirely.
**Why Did the NTA Decide to Cancel the Exam?**
A statement issued by the NTA explains that, upon collating the inputs received by the agency with the information shared by investigative agencies, it became evident that continuing with the current examination process would not be appropriate. It was for this reason that the decision to cancel NEET UG 2026 was taken. The NTA has also clarified that details regarding the new exam date, the re-examination schedule, and new admit cards will be released through official channels in the coming days.
**Did the NEET Paper Leak Originate in Nashik?**
New revelations are emerging every day in the NEET UG paper leak case. Initially, it was believed that the NEET 'guess paper' had leaked from Kerala; however, the name of Nashik is now also surfacing in connection with this entire affair. According to sources, the first digital copy of the NEET paper was prepared at a clandestine location in Nashik. Subsequently, this digital copy was circulated to various 'solver gangs' active across different states of the country. A Dozen Individuals on the CBI's Radar
The CBI's investigation into the NEET paper leak case has intensified. A CBI team has arrived at the office of the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and is currently gathering comprehensive information. Reports suggest that a dozen individuals are currently on the CBI's radar.
The scope of the investigation regarding the alleged paper leak in the NEET examination is continuously expanding. Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the NEET question paper was purchased for approximately ₹30 lakh and was subsequently circulated to students across several states.
SFI Protests; Demands Abolition of NTA
Following the NEET UG 2026 paper leak and the subsequent cancellation of the examination, the Students' Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest against the National Testing Agency (NTA). SFI student leader Aishe Ghosh stated, "We are protesting against the irregularities and paper leaks plaguing the NEET examination. Such incidents have been occurring annually since the inception of the National Testing Agency, yet the government has failed to take any concrete action in the matter. We demand the dismantling of the NTA and the system it represents."
Students Now Await New Exam Date
With the cancellation of NEET UG 2026, the attention of millions of students is now fixed on the date for the re-examination and the issuance of new admit cards. The NTA has provided assurances that all necessary information will be officially released shortly. Investigative agencies and the NTA are working tirelessly to provide every new update related to the paper leak case.
Investigation Focuses on Cheating and Criminal Activity
Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Rajasthan SOG, stated that the investigation is being conducted with the utmost seriousness. He noted the existence of a "guess paper" containing approximately 410 questions. It is alleged that around 120 of these questions appeared in the Chemistry section of the actual examination. This guess paper had already circulated among students anywhere from 15 days to a month before the examination. Our investigation is now focused on determining whether any cheating or criminal activity took place based on this very guess paper. He further stated that the investigative process is still ongoing and that every aspect is being scrutinized closely.
