NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam scheduled for June 21 amid massive 'paper leak' row

The re-examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026 (Sunday), the agency said.

The NTA stated that the date was finalised with the approval of the Government of India.

“Candidates and parents are requested to rely only on the official channels of NTA,” the agency said in a post on X.

Exam cancelled after ‘guess paper’ controversy

The examination was cancelled after questions from a circulated “guess paper” allegedly matched the main examination conducted on May 3.

The NTA has decided to reschedule the examination on a separate date. Nearly 22 lakh candidates had appeared for the test.

The agency posted on X: “This decision has been taken in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests. The Agency is conscious that re-conduct will cause real and significant inconvenience to candidates and their families.

“NTA does not take that consequence lightly. The decision has been taken because the alternative would have caused greater and more lasting damage to that trust.”

Protests erupt over NEET cancellation

Protests demanding the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) erupted across several parts of India after allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and unfair evaluation practices surfaced.

Students and opposition parties accused authorities of failing to ensure transparency and merit in one of the country’s most competitive medical entrance examinations.

Demonstrators demanded a re-examination, accountability from the NTA, and reforms in the examination system to restore trust among aspirants.

The central government has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged malpractice associated with the examination.