NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled Amid Leak Row; Student Protests Erupt at Shastri Bhavan

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) workers on Tuesday held a protest against the central government after the NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled amid allegations of paper leak and examination irregularities.

Protestors were seen climbing the barricades at Shastri Bhavan, marking their protest.

The NEET exam this year was held on May 3. As per the NTA 22.79 lakh students appeared for the exam which was held across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering more than 5,400 centres.

Earlier, calling the NEET exam an "auction", LoP Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticised the paper leak.

He noted that at least 89 papers have been leaked and 48 re-exams have been conducted over the past 10 years.

Why did Rahul Gandhi call NEET 2026 an ‘auction’ amid paper leak allegations?

"I heard the news about the NEET 2026 paper leak. It's not an exam anymore--NEET is now an auction,” he wrote on X.

“Many questions were being sold on WhatsApp 42 hours before the exam. Over 22 lakh children studied through sleepless nights all year, burning the midnight oil, and in one night, their future was openly auctioned off in the marketplace,” he added.

“This isn't the first time. In 10 years, 89 paper leaks--48 re-exams. Every time, the same promises, and then the same silence," the LoP wrote.

The Centre on Tuesday announced that the country's biggest undergraduate medical entrance test will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately.

The Government has also referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive probe into the allegations.

In a statement, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said the decision was taken after inputs were examined in coordination with central agencies, and findings shared by law enforcement agencies raised concerns over the integrity of the examination process.

The agency said the "present examination process could not be allowed to stand."

"NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires," it said.

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to students and parents, the agency said the decision was taken to preserve the credibility of the examination system.

"The decision has been taken because the alternative would have caused greater and more lasting damage to that trust," the statement read.

(With inputs from ANI)