New Delhi : The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the NEET-UG 2026 examination will be reconducted on June 21 after the original test was cancelled due to allegations of a widespread paper leak. The decision comes after mounting pressure from students, parents, and opposition parties demanding a fair and transparent examination process for medical aspirants across the country.

NEET-UG, the country’s largest medical entrance examination, was initially held on May 3 for more than 22 lakh students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses. However, soon after the examination, reports emerged from several states claiming that portions of the question paper had been leaked before the test. Allegations surfaced that some candidates had gained access to the questions through organized networks linked to coaching centres and middlemen.

Following the controversy, the Centre ordered a detailed investigation into the matter. Preliminary findings reportedly indicated similarities between the actual examination paper and certain “guess papers” circulated prior to the exam. This led the NTA and the Union Education Ministry to cancel the examination in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the selection process.

Announcing the fresh examination date, the NTA said that all candidates who appeared for the earlier exam would be eligible to sit for the re-test. The agency clarified that students would not be required to submit fresh applications or pay any additional fee. Fresh admit cards will be issued before the examination, and candidates have been advised to keep checking the official websites for updates.

The announcement has brought mixed reactions from students. While many welcomed the move as necessary to ensure fairness, others expressed concern over the additional stress and uncertainty caused by the cancellation. Several students said they had already begun preparing for counselling and admissions before the exam was scrapped.

Parents and student organizations have also raised questions about the security arrangements during the original examination. Many demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged leak and called for reforms in the conduct of national-level entrance tests.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured students that the government would take every possible measure to ensure transparency in future examinations. He stated that strong action would be taken against individuals involved in any malpractice. The minister also indicated that the government is considering major reforms, including conducting NEET in a computer-based format from next year to reduce the chances of paper leaks and manipulation.

Meanwhile, central investigative agencies, including the CBI, are continuing their probe into the case. Several suspects linked to the alleged leak racket have reportedly been detained and questioned in different states. Authorities are examining the role of coaching institutes, exam intermediaries, and others suspected of involvement in the malpractice network.

Education experts have advised students not to panic and instead use the additional time for revision and preparation. Coaching institutes across the country have also resumed special revision classes for NEET aspirants ahead of the re-examination.

With lakhs of students now preparing once again for the highly competitive medical entrance test, all eyes remain on the NTA and the government to ensure that the upcoming examination is conducted smoothly, fairly, and without controversy.

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