NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Set for June 21 - CBI Arrests Five in Paper Leak Case

The National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has scheduled the re-examination of NEET-UG 2026 on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The announcement, made through NTA's official handle on Friday, ends weeks of uncertainty for millions of medical aspirants across the country.

What Led to the Cancellation

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of a coordinated paper leak. The examination was held across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad at more than 5,400 centres, with over 22 lakh candidates appearing for the test.

The Rajasthan Special Operations Group found a set of over 400 questions circulating before the exam, nearly 120 of which matched the actual paper. These materials were reportedly sold for up to Rs 2 lakh. The test materials were sent from Kerala to a coaching centre in Sikar, from where they were widely circulated via WhatsApp.

The Legal Case So Far

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered an FIR under charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.Five people have been arrested, three from Jaipur, one from Gurugram, and one from Nashik. The accused were identified as brothers Dinesh Biwal and Mangilal Biwal, Mangilal's son Vikas Biwal, Yash Yadav, and Shubham Khairnar. The CBI also seized incriminating materials and electronic devices, including mobile phones, after conducting raids at multiple locations.

What Happens Next for Students

Fresh admit cards and city intimation slips will be released for all students at neet.nta.nic.in. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed the new admit card will be issued on or before June 14. The syllabus and exam pattern will remain the same as the original, cancelled exam.

No fresh registration is required. The registration data, candidature, and examination centres from the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward. Fees already paid will be refunded to students, and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA's internal resources. For queries, candidates can reach NTA at neet-ug@nta.ac.in or call 011-40759000.