Kamal Ghorui
NEET UG 2026 cancelled: The National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and announced that the test will be conducted again on dates to be notified separately. The decision was announced by NTA through an official statement issued on its X account on May 12, 2026.In its statement, NTA said the decision was taken “with the approval of the Government of India” after inputs examined in coordination with central agencies and investigative findings shared by law enforcement authorities. The agency stated that “the present examination process could not be allowed to stand”.Re-examination schedule to be announcedNTA said fresh examination dates and the revised admit-card schedule would be communicated through official channels in the coming days. The agency also requested candidates and parents to rely only on official notifications and avoid unverified reports circulating on social media.The statement added that the matter had earlier been referred to central agencies on May 8, 2026, for “independent verification and necessary action” in line with maintaining “fair, secure, and credible conduct” of national examinations.CBI inquiry ordered into allegationsThe Government of India has also decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations linked to the examination. NTA said it would provide “all materials, records, and assistance” required by the investigating agency.The agency acknowledged the impact of the decision on students and families. According to the statement, the re-conduct of the examination would cause “real and significant inconvenience” to candidates, but added that the decision had been taken “in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests”.Registration details to remain validNTA clarified that registration data, candidature details and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle would remain valid for the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration process will be required for candidates appearing again.The agency further stated that no additional examination fee would be charged. It also announced that fees already paid by candidates would be refunded. The re-conducted examination, according to NTA, will be organised using the agency’s internal resources.Candidates may contact NTA through the official helpline numbers and email released with the notice for further assistance.
