NEET UG 2026 Cancelled: Nashik Police arrest a man; DG Abhishek Singh promises immediate action to end paper leaks and restore trust
The Centre on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of a paper leak and other examination irregularities. The National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET), which was conducted on May 3, 2026, will now be held again, with fresh dates to be announced separately.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsNashik Police on Tuesday arrested a man following inputs from the Rajasthan Police. The accused, identified as Shubham Khairnar from the Indira Nagar area, was taken into custody in connection with the NEET paper leak case and will be handed over to the Rajasthan Police, Hindustan Times reported.
The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which will conduct a detailed probe into the allegations surrounding the examination.
Also Read | NEET UG 2026 cancelled, NTA to reconduct exams soon, What will be next date?
The Centre on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of a paper leak and other examination irregularities. The National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET), which was conducted on May 3, 2026, will now be held again, with fresh dates to be announced separately.
The medical entrance examination was held across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, at over 5,432 centres, with around 22.79 lakh registered candidates. The provisional answer key was released on May 7, 2026.
The agency further clarified that the registration details, candidature, and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle will remain valid for the re-conducted exam. Candidates will not need to register again or pay any additional examination fee. Moreover, the fees already paid will be refunded, and the examination will be conducted again using the National Testing Agency’s internal resources.
NTA to announce re-exam schedule in 7-10 days
Meanwhile, National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh on Tuesday said the scheduled to re-conduct the cancelled NEET-UG 2026 examination will be announced within the next seven to ten days.
He also said that strict action is being taken against those involved in the alleged paper leak.
Singh assured candidate that the NTA would not allow irregularities to affect future examinations.
"I am trying to decide this (re-examination date) along with my team. When they told me that you (students) were here and waiting for me, I thought I should come and speak with you. I assure you that action is being taken on every such individual who is attempting to indulge in such acts. We will not let any irregularities take place in any exam," he said.
He also said, "Be it someone inside or outside, whoever it is, we urge the CBI to arrest them and punish them so that this issue can be cured at the root," he said."
He defended the decision to cancel the examination, while referring to recurring concerns over the examination paper leaks, including allegations during NEET-UG 2024.