Protests broke out in the national capital on Tuesday within hours of the National Testing Agency announcing the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, with members of the National Students’ Union of India staging a demonstration outside Shastri Bhawan against the NTA over the alleged paper leak.
Why Was NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled?
NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled after allegations surfaced that questions from a circulated “guess paper” closely matched those in the main examination conducted on May 3. The government has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive probe.
#WATCH | Delhi: National Students' Union of India (NSUI) workers hold protest against the central government after the NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled amid allegations of paper leak and examination irregularities pic.twitter.com/qkQ6BHClIV
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026
In its official statement, the NTA said the decision was taken following inputs from central agencies and investigative findings related to possible compromises in the examination process. The agency stated the examination “could not be allowed to stand” and confirmed it would be conducted again on fresh dates, to be notified separately.
22 Lakh Students Left in Uncertainty
NEET-UG is the gateway to undergraduate medical admissions across India. Nearly 22 lakh candidates appeared for this year’s examination. With the cancellation confirmed, students across the country now face uncertainty over revised exam dates, preparation schedules, and admission timelines.
Rahul Gandhi Attacks Government
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was swift and sharp in his response, taking to X to condemn the cancellation. “The NEET 2026 exam has been cancelled. The hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP regime. Some fathers took loans, some mothers sold their jewellery, lakhs of children stayed up all night studying, and in return, they got paper leaks, government negligence, and organised corruption in education. This is not just a failure it’s a crime against the future of the youth,” Gandhi said.
Also Read: Gurugram Emerges As Key Link In NEET-UG 2026 ‘Paper Leak’, Read In Details
He continued: “Every time, the paper mafia gets away scot-free, while honest students bear the punishment. Now, lakhs of students will once again endure the same mental stress, financial burden, and uncertainty. If one’s destiny is determined not by hard work but by money and connections, then what meaning will education hold? The Prime Minister’s so-called Amrit Kaal has turned into a poison era for the country.” Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan did not address media questions on the paper leak.