The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam after a leaked question paper circulated through a WhatsApp group.

This cancellation disrupts the academic timeline for more than 2 million students [3] who compete annually for limited medical seats in India. The breach undermines the integrity of one of the country's most competitive entrance exams.

The exam took place on May 3, 2026 [1]. Following the test, investigators discovered a leaked PDF that contained correct answers for 120 of the 180 questions [1]. The document was shared within a WhatsApp group, allowing candidates to access sensitive material before or during the examination process.

Authorities have detained a medical sciences student from Nashik in connection with the leak [2]. Investigation reports indicate the leaked paper originated from a printing press in Nashik and was subsequently used by candidates in Haryana or Rajasthan [2].

The Central Bureau of Investigation and the Rajasthan Special Operations Group are managing the probe [2]. These agencies are working to determine the full scale of the distribution network and identify other accomplices involved in the leak.

This incident is part of a recurring pattern of irregularities. The NEET exam has faced multiple paper leak allegations since 2015 [3]. The National Testing Agency is now under pressure to implement more secure distribution methods to prevent future compromises of the testing process.

“The NEET (UG) 2026 exam was cancelled after a leaked question paper was circulated via a WhatsApp group”

The repeated failure to secure the NEET exam highlights systemic vulnerabilities in India's high-stakes testing infrastructure. By relying on physical printing presses and digital distribution that can be intercepted by WhatsApp groups, the NTA remains susceptible to organized fraud. This cancellation will likely trigger legal challenges from students and increase demands for a fully digitized, encrypted examination system to ensure meritocracy.