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NEET UG Exam Cancelled: What Happens Next? Will Students Have to Re-apply? Will Previous Registrations Remain Valid? — An Explanation..
Shikha Saxena | May 13, 2026 12:15 PM CST

NEET UG Exam 2026: Regarding the NEET paper leak scandal, exactly what was feared has come to pass. Yes, the NEET UG examination—specifically the NEET UG 2026 exam—has been cancelled. The NTA has taken a major decision following the NEET paper leak incident. The NEET UG 2026 examination will now be conducted again. Furthermore, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will step in to investigate the matter. Now that the NEET exam has been cancelled, questions are bound to arise in everyone's minds: What happens next? When will the exam finally take place? Will students have to apply again? Will their previous registration remain valid? Let's find the answers to all these questions.

First, let's understand the decision regarding the NEET UG 2026 examination. The NTA has decided to cancel the NEET UG exam that was held on May 3, 2026. This decision was taken following approval from the Central Government. This significant action comes amidst allegations of a paper leak and irregularities. The NTA has stated that the existing examination process could not be allowed to continue. The NTA has clearly announced that the examination will be conducted afresh. However, a new date for the exam has not yet been announced.

Why was the NEET exam cancelled?
Due to the paper leak scandal, and following approval from the Central Government, the NTA decided to cancel the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026.

When will the NEET UG 2026 examination be held?
The NTA has not yet announced a new date. The NTA states that the new examination date and the schedule for the release of admit cards will be issued shortly.

The CBI will investigate the paper leak scandal.
In fact, questions were raised regarding the examination process following reports submitted by investigative agencies concerning the paper leak case. Given the gravity of the situation, a comprehensive investigation into this matter has now been handed over to the CBI.

Will students' previous registrations remain valid?
The NTA has clarified that, even though the NEET examination has been cancelled, students' previous registrations will remain valid. Furthermore, their previously selected examination center preferences will also remain valid.

Is it necessary to apply again?
The NTA has stated that there is no need to submit a fresh application for the re-examination. Will the exam fee be charged again?
No, candidates appearing for the NEET exam will not be required to pay the fee again. According to the NTA, no additional examination fee will be charged to students. The fees previously deposited by students will be refunded to them.

The NTA has appealed to students and parents to rely solely on official notifications.
The agency stated that the revised schedule, admit cards, and other exam-related information will be officially shared shortly. Until then, candidates and parents are advised to rely exclusively on the NTA's official channels for updates regarding the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.

How many students appeared for the exam?
This examination was conducted on Sunday, May 3, at various centers across the country. Approximately 2.3 million candidates appeared for this exam this year. The agency stated that this decision was taken following approval from the Government of India. According to the agency, on May 8, 2026, matters related to the examination were referred to central agencies for independent investigation and necessary action. The central agencies subsequently shared information regarding this matter.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.


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