The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over probe on NEET UG 2026 paper leak. The Rajasthan SOG has arrested NEET paper leak masterminds Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandavriya. The SOG also detained a family member of a NEET candidate over alleged involvement in NEET paper leak. Meanwhile, the Centre had ordered CBI probe on NEET paper leak.
The CBI is expected to question National Testing Agency (NTA) officials in connection with the paper leak.
Over 22 lakh students appeared for NEET held on May 3. As per reports, the Rajasthan SOG found a handwritten suggestion paper in which 120 questions matched the actual NEET question paper. The investigators found around 90 Biology questions and 30 Chemistry questions that matched the actual NEET paper.
NTA chief on paper leak and CBI probe
NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the matter has been handed over to the CBI and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.
"We have handed over the matter to the CBI. All accused will be nabbed and jailed so that the future of students is not adversely impacted. We will conduct a re exam for students and it will be done in a fair manner. We have also decided that no additional fee will be charged for the re exam, and the fee paid for the first exam will also be refunded," Singh said.
Explaining how the alleged leak came to light, he said, “On the night of May 7, we received information through a whistleblower that before the exams were conducted, an individual had received a WhatsApp message containing questions that matched the exact questions in the exam.”
"It was our responsibility to verify those allegations and determine whether those PDFs were available to anyone before May 3, the day of the exam. Upon verification, it was found that some questions matched our question paper. It was also found that on May 1 and 2..." he added.
NEET re-exam date
NEET UG re-exam 2026 is likely to be held in June. In 2024, when NEET UG got cancelled, the re-exam was held on June 23. So, students can expect NEET re-exam to be held in June.
Re-NEET registration, admit card
As per NTA, no fresh registration required for re-NEET. The registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied. In addition, fees already paid, will be refunded to the students and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA’s internal resources, NTA in a post on X mentioned.
Expert's take on NEET cancellation
Praneet Mungali, Educationist, Sanskriti Group of Schools, Pune - "The cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination has produced major uncertainty for students who have spent multiple years preparing for the test. Institutions must establish effective communication methods while maintaining examination fairness and assessment transparency. The examination process creates additional stress for both candidates and their families because of its delays and misunderstandings. Students experience their most vital academic period of life which requires educational institutions to establish trust through strong administration combined with understanding of their needs and ongoing support."
Vipin Sharma, PhysicsWallah teacher - "This is bad news for teachers, students, and parents. Children work hard for years, and then the paper gets cancelled like this. There should be a solid system like the one for JEE."
NEET aspirant - "The NTA has taken a good decision because what happened was an injustice to the hard working candidates... Those who cheated should not get admission in the medical colleges...," as reported by news agency ANI.
NEET helpline numbers
Candidates may contact NTA at 011-40759000/011-69227700 or e-mail at neetug2026@nta.ac.in for updates on NEET exam 2026.
