On the morning of May 12, 2026, over 22.79 lakh MBBS aspirants and their families received the most shocking news of their medical journey — the NEET UG 2026 exam has been officially cancelled. Here is everything you need to know, based only on official and verified information.
The NEET UG 2026 exam was held on May 3, 2026, across 5,400+ centres in 551 Indian cities and 14 cities abroad. Over 22.79 lakh students appeared for this single-day, pen-and-paper examination — the gateway to MBBS, BDS, and allied medical admissions across India.
On May 7, 2026, Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) flagged a critical irregularity: a so-called “guess paper” containing approximately 410 questions had been circulating among students. Shockingly, nearly 120 of those questions reportedly appeared in the actual Biology and Chemistry sections of the exam. This guess paper was allegedly sent to students via WhatsApp messages 42 hours before the exam began.
On May 8, 2026, NTA referred the matter to central agencies for independent verification. After reviewing inputs from law enforcement authorities and central investigative agencies, the Government of India approved the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 examination on May 12, 2026.
In its official statement, NTA said the decision was taken “to maintain transparency, fairness, and credibility in the national examination system.” The Government of India simultaneously referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry.
22.79 lakh students appeared across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.
SOG flagged the 410-question “guess paper.” 120 questions found matching Chemistry & Biology sections of the exam.
NTA requests independent verification by central agencies and law enforcement.
First official communication about the ongoing investigation released to the public.
NTA officially cancels the exam. Re-exam announced. CBI investigation ordered by Government of India.
NTA DG Abhishek Singh confirmed the Re-NEET 2026 schedule will be released within 7–10 days on neet.nta.nic.in.
This unexpected situation may feel devastating, but it also gives you extra time to improve your score. Here is how to make the most of it:
Attempt the cancelled exam paper as a full mock test. Identify your weak areas in Biology, Chemistry & Physics.
NCERT is the backbone of NEET. Cover each line of Biology NCERT — most questions come directly from it.
600+ marks is considered a safe score for government MBBS admission. Set this as your minimum target.
Solve 1 full mock test every day under exam conditions. Speed and accuracy both matter equally.
Human Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, Organic Chemistry & Mechanics hold the maximum weightage.
This is a setback, not the end. Many students who prepared well will score better in the re-exam. Stay consistent.
With counselling now delayed, many students and parents are rightly exploring MBBS abroad as a backup or primary option. Several countries offer NMC-approved medical programs at affordable fees — and admissions are often open and faster than the lengthy NEET counselling process.
Countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Philippines are popular, NMC-recognised destinations for Indian students. Shiksha Med has successfully guided thousands of students to top medical universities abroad.
Whether it’s NEET counselling guidance, MBBS abroad, or MD/MS admissions — our expert counsellors at Shiksha Med are available to help you make the right decision. Free consultation available.
📞 Book Free Counselling SessionWe completely understand how devastating this news feels. Years of hard work, sleepless nights, and sacrifices — all of it feels shaken in a moment. But the truth is: your preparation is not wasted. The re-exam is a second chance to perform even better.
Stay calm. Keep studying. Watch only official channels for updates. And remember — lakhs of honest students just like you are in the same boat, and the system is being corrected to give all of you a fair chance.
Shiksha Med stands with every MBBS aspirant. If you need guidance — whether for NEET counselling, MBBS abroad, or any medical admission query — our team is just a call away.
📞 Call: +91-99141-48080 | 🌐 www.shikshamed.com
