# 2026 NEET controversy

2026 NEET controversy

Controversy in conduct of NEET(UG) 2026

| Date | 3 May 2026 |
| Location | - India |
| Type | Examination scandal |
| Cause | Alleged paper leak and irregularities |
| Participants | [National Testing Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Testing_Agency "National Testing Agency"), students, [Central Bureau of Investigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bureau_of_Investigation "Central Bureau of Investigation"), [Rajasthan Police](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthan_Police "Rajasthan Police") |
| Outcome | Cancellation of the 3 May examination; re-examination scheduled; CBI probe and arrests |

NTA NEET controversy 2026

The **2026 NEET controversy** (also known as **2026 NEET-UG controversy**) is a large-scale paper leak and irregularities in the [National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Eligibility_cum_Entrance_Test_(Undergraduate) "National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)") 2026 examination, conducted by India's [National Testing Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Testing_Agency "National Testing Agency"). The exam, held on 3 May 2026 for over 2.27 million aspirants seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses, was cancelled on 12 May 2026 following investigations that revealed significant overlaps between a pre-circulated _guess paper_ and the actual question paper and led to arrest of several people, including insiders from the NTA.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-1)

It triggered protests across the country, political criticism, and petitions in the [Supreme Court of India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_India "Supreme Court of India"). The controversy was similar to earlier exam-related scandals, especially the [2024 NEET controversy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NEET_controversy "2024 NEET controversy").

## Background

The [Undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Eligibility_cum_Entrance_Test_(Undergraduate) "National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)"), formerly known as the [All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_India_Pre_Medical_Test "All India Pre Medical Test"), is an Indian nationwide [entrance examination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entrance_examination "Entrance examination") conducted by the [National Testing Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Testing_Agency "National Testing Agency") (NTA) for admission in undergraduate medical programs.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-2) Being a mandatory exam for admission in medical programs,[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-3) it is the biggest exam in India in terms of number of applicants.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-4)

After the enactment of NMC Act 2019 in September 2019, NEET-UG became the sole entrance test for admissions to medical colleges in India including the [All India Institutes of Medical Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_India_Institutes_of_Medical_Sciences "All India Institutes of Medical Sciences") (AIIMS) and [Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jawaharlal_Institute_of_Postgraduate_Medical_Education_and_Research "Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research") (JIPMER) which until then conducted separate exams.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-5)

In 2024, a [similar controversy arose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NEET_controversy "2024 NEET controversy") when on 5 May, the day of the NEET-UG examination, several social media posts alleged that the exam questions had been leaked in advance.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-6)

## Leak and exam cancellation

Soon after the 3 May exam, allegations emerged that a _guess paper_ or _question bank_ shared through [WhatsApp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WhatsApp "WhatsApp") and other channels in coaching centers like [Sikar, Rajasthan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikar,_Rajasthan "Sikar, Rajasthan"), closely matched many questions in the real exam, especially in Chemistry and Biology.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-7) According to the reports, there was an overlap of up to 120 questions.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-8)

Shashikant Suthar, a chemistry teacher from Sikar, informed the authorities about the circulation of the leaked questions after comparing the material with the official exam paper, noting how nearly 140 questions matched the real exam paper.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-9) The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group started an investigation, which led to several arrests.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-10) Later, the case was transferred to the [Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bureau_of_Investigation "Central Bureau of Investigation").[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-The_Hindu_NEET_Protests_Live-11)

On 12 May 2026, the NTA announced that the exam was officially cancelled, and that a re-examination would be held.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-12) In a statement posted on [X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_(social_network) "X (social network)"), the NTA announced that the decision to cancel was taken "in the interest of students" and to protect the credibility of the national examination system.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-TheHindu_NEET_Reconduct-13) It confirmed that the exam would be rescheduled on dates to be announced separately.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-TheHindu_NEET_Reconduct-13) The NTA also clarified that the fees already paid by candidates would be returned and that no fresh registration or additional fees would be required; existing candidate data and examination centres would be used for the rescheduled exam.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-14) On 15 May, the NTA announced that the re-examination would take place on 21 June 2026[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-16) and students were promised refunds of their application fees.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-:0-17)

## Investigation and arrests

In [Rajasthan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthan "Rajasthan"), the [Special Operations Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthan_Police "Rajasthan Police") initiated the investigation after identifying 42 out of 45 questions in a mock paper traced to coaching institute in [Latur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latur "Latur"), appearing in the actual test.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-TheHind_NTA_Commitment-18) After tracing the paper, initial arrest of Dr. Shubham Khairnar was made in [Nashik, Maharashtra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashik "Nashik") who acquired the papers from a primary source and distributed to students for ₹15 lakh.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-19)

On 12 May 2026, CBI officially took over the investigation,[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-The_Hindu_NEET_Protests_Live-11)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-20) and announced the arrest of several individuals, including Pune-based chemistry professor P. V. Kulkarni, who was described as a main accused with links to NTA processes, and a biology professor Manisha Gurunath Mandhare.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-21)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-22)[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-23) The accused were allegedly running special classes where exam questions were dictated, and handwritten notes were found to match the actual exam.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-24) During raids, officials recovered electronic devices and notes in connection with the leaks.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-25)

Investigators said the network was spread across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and other states. Union Education Minister [Dharmendra Pradhan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmendra_Pradhan "Dharmendra Pradhan") admitted that there had been a “breach in the command chain”[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-meeting-26) and announced plans to move NEET to a computer-based exam format from 2027.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-27)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-28)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-:0-17)

CBI investigators found evidence that the NEET UG 2025 question paper was also compromised by the same racket responsible for the 2026 leak.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-29)

On 18 May 2026, CBI arrested Shivraj Motegaonkar, owner of Renukai Chemistry Classes Coaching Institute in Maharashtra’s [Latur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latur "Latur"), in connection with the paper leak.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-30)[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-31) The investigation agency told a New Delhi court that Motegaonkar had received the chemistry questions on 23 April 2026. Later, he was also seen in a video where he claimed that the mock questions given to his students featured in the actual exam. Question banks, documents, mobile phone and laptops were confiscated from his residence and institute for further analysis. He was sent into CBI custody for nine days.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-32)[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-33)

CBI carried out further probe at the residences of candidates who allegedly received the leaked papers, at two locations in Nagpur. They were believed to be in contact with Manisha Waghmare, a beauty parlour owner, who was arrested earlier in Pune. The agency suspected that the students were called to Pune a day before the exam where the questions were discussed in a private session. However, no arrests were made after this investigation.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-34)

Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, headmistress of a Pune based school, was arrested by CBI on 22 May 2026 for supposedly leaking the physics question paper, which later appeared in the actual exam. She had the access to these questions because she was appointed as a subject expert by the NTA.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-35) Havaldar confessed to the investigators that she had recalled the physics questions from memory and shared it with a student. These were further circulated over a messaging app at the request of Mandhare. During the raid of the former’s home in Pune, CBI recovered several NEET UG question papers, NTA identity card copies and cash among other material. Havaldar also admitted that she used the school computer to print the leaked material and then erased the chat history with Mandhare as well as burned her handwritten notes.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-36) The student who obtained the physics questions from Havaldar was arrested on 26 May 2026.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-37)

CBI later clarified that this ‘student’ was in fact a physics teacher, Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, who was associated with Dr. Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy in Pune. Dr. Manoj Shirure, a pediatrician from Latur, was also arrested by CBI. The latter was suspected to be among the group of doctors who had paid money to procure leaked paper for their relatives. CBI probe revealed financial transactions and WhatsApp chats between Shah and Havaldar’s husband. Shah’s number was apparently saved as ‘God’ in Havaldar’s device. Shah had received the leaked questions from Havaldar and shared them with Motegaonkar, who eventually passed it on to Shirure. The agency further added that Shirure and Kulkarni allegedly conducted special coaching sessions for students whose family paid between ₹2 lakh (US$2,100) to ₹10 lakh (US$10,000) each for the leaked questions.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-38)

## Reactions

The cancellation led to large protests by students and parents in Delhi and other cities[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-39), including by the members of [National Students' Union of India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Students'_Union_of_India "National Students' Union of India") at [Shastri Bhavan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shastri_Bhavan "Shastri Bhavan") in [Delhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi "Delhi")[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-z516-40). People demanded accountability and called for the resignation of NTA officials. Many student groups said the repeated disruptions caused stress, anxiety, and loss of motivation.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-41)[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-42) As per the media reports, at least 3 students committed suicide following paper leak.[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-43)

Former Chief Minister [M. K. Stalin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._K._Stalin "M. K. Stalin") urged the Central Government to exempt NEET-UG for the year 2026 and allow states to determine their own medical admission process. He criticized NEET, arguing that it has transformed medical admissions into a highly commercialized and coaching-centre-driven system, in which economic privilege increasingly influences success rather than academic merit or social commitment.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-44)[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-45) Political leaders, including [C. Joseph Vijay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Joseph_Vijay "C. Joseph Vijay"), called for NEET to be abolished.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-46)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-47) The [Leader of the Opposition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leader_of_the_Opposition_in_Lok_Sabha "Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha"), [Rahul Gandhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahul_Gandhi "Rahul Gandhi"), criticized the government's handling of the exam, describing the leak as a "crime" against the youth's future and comparing the examination process to an auction.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-48) Reacting to Gandhi's criticism, the [Bharatiya Janata Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharatiya_Janata_Party "Bharatiya Janata Party")'s spokesperson [Sanjay Mayukh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjay_Mayukh "Sanjay Mayukh") urged the Congress leader to refrain from indulging in petty politics over the matter.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-49)

Medical organizations such as Federation of All India Medical Associations filed petitions in the Supreme Court, asking for reforms in the NTA and a court-monitored re-examination.[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-50)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-51) Education experts also criticized the re-exam, saying it was unfair to honest students and exposed major problems in the way the exam system was being managed.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-52)

On 25 May 2026, the [Supreme Court of India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_India "Supreme Court of India") sought the status report on the implementation of recommendations made by the committee constituted after its 2024 ruling on the NEET-UG paper leak issue that year.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-53)

## Protests

On 6 June, 2026, the [Cockroach Janata Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach_Janata_Party "Cockroach Janata Party") led a protest at [Jantar Mantar, New Delhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jantar_Mantar,_New_Delhi "Jantar Mantar, New Delhi") that called for the resignation of Union Education Minister [Dharmendra Pradhan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmendra_Pradhan "Dharmendra Pradhan") over the NEET Paper leak.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-54)

Environamentalist and [education reformer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_reform "Education reform"), [Sonam Wangchuk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonam_Wangchuk "Sonam Wangchuk") has been a prominent figure at a CJP-organised protest, demanding accountability in conduction of national examinations, and is leading an indefinite [hunger strike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_strike "Hunger strike") along with six students from [All India Students' Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_India_Students'_Association "All India Students' Association") (AISA).[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-:3-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-56)

## Retest

The paper setters, translators, moderators and other team members linked to the retest scheduled on 21 June 2026 were secured at an undisclosed location. Usage of digital devices was restricted and only authorized personnel were allowed inside the facility. All the associated people were kept under supervision until the end of the examination to avoid any contact with the external sources.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-57) Security was raised at each and every step - from paper development to final transportation. After the suggestion from a previous high-level meeting chaired by the defence minister [Rajnath Singh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajnath_Singh "Rajnath Singh"), it was confirmed that the [Indian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Air_Force "Indian Air Force") aircraft would transport the question papers to various sub-locations and then sent to examination centers for the retest.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-58)[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-59)

While downloading the admit cards for the retest, several candidates reported technical glitches in the official portal and also sought clarification regarding the fee refund procedure. The flagged issues were acknowledged by the NTA, who assured quick resolution by the concerned teams.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-60) Further, the agency added that the refund would be directly credited to the bank details shared on the official portal and advised students to beware of fraudulent messages circulating online related to this process.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-61)

The NTA worked with relevant authorities to monitor the social media and messaging platforms for suspicious activity and flag fake information related to the re-examination. As part of this undertaking, the cyber-crime cell of [Ahmedabad City Police](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabad_City_Police "Ahmedabad City Police") had arrested two people from Rajasthan who allegedly operated channels on the instant messaging service [Telegram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telegram_(software) "Telegram (software)") that promised NEET re-exam questions and demanded money in exchange. Although, no actual evidence of the paper was found with them.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-62) On 16 June 2026, the [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Electronics_and_Information_Technology "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology") [(MeitY)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Electronics_and_Information_Technology "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology") issued a directive to temporarily block Telegram till 22 June 2026 across India to prevent spread of any unwanted data regarding the retest. The ministry also instructed Telegram to block the message editing feature until 30 June 2026 to restrict its misuse.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-63) This move was welcomed by the NTA and further added that they regret the inconvenience caused to the general public who used the platform for genuine purposes.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-64)[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-65) Telegram had challenged this decision in the [Delhi High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_High_Court "Delhi High Court"). However, the court upheld the order.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_NEET_controversy#cite_note-66)

## See also

- [2024 NEET controversy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NEET_controversy "2024 NEET controversy")
- [National Testing Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Testing_Agency "National Testing Agency")
- [National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Eligibility_cum_Entrance_Test_(Undergraduate) "National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)")
- [National Testing Agency controversies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Testing_Agency_controversies "National Testing Agency controversies")
- [United States Medical Licensing Examination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Medical_Licensing_Examination "United States Medical Licensing Examination")
- [Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_and_Linguistic_Assessments_Board "Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board")

## References

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## Further reading

- Ammad, Aatif (26 May 2026). ["'Come back, my son': Indian exam leak leaves trail of death, despair, anger"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/26/come-back-my-son-indian-exam-leak-leaves-trail-of-death-despair-anger). _[Al Jazeera English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera_English "Al Jazeera English")_. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
- Lakhera, Vedaant (22 May 2026). ["The real NEET crisis lies inside the system"](https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/neet-2026-cancellation-student-crisis/article71001783.ece). _[Frontline (magazine)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontline_(magazine) "Frontline (magazine)")_. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
- Nilay, Nanditesh (17 May 2026). ["NEET Paper Leak: What is ethical governance in public examinations?"](https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/upsc-ethics-neet-paper-leak-ethical-governance-public-exams-nta-10694090/). _[The Indian Express](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Indian_Express "The Indian Express")_. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- Ozarkar, Vallabh (16 May 2026). ["The professor next door: How a retired Latur chemistry teacher went from NEET mentor to CBI's key accused"](https://indianexpress.com/article/education/the-professor-next-door-how-a-retired-latur-chemistry-teacher-went-from-neet-mentor-to-cbis-key-accused-10693289/). _The Indian Express_. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- Naaz, Fareha (16 May 2026). ["NEET 2026 paper leak: From involvement of NTA member to full modus operandi to arrests — what we know so far on CBI probe"](https://www.livemint.com/news/india/neet-2026-paper-leak-from-involvement-of-nta-member-full-modus-operandi-to-arrests-what-we-know-so-far-on-cbi-probe-11778994671555.html). _Mint_. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ["Testing troubles: On the National Testing Agency, NEET-UG 2026"](https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/testing-troubles-on-the-national-testing-agency-neet-ug-2026/article70974446.ece). _The Hindu_. 14 May 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- Tewari, Trisha (12 May 2026). ["NEET 2026 paper leak: How many more scandals before students lose faith completely?"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/neet-2026-paper-leak-how-many-more-scandals-before-students-lose-faith-completely/articleshow/131033092.cms). _[The Times of India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Times_of_India "The Times of India")_. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- Ratti, Pragati (12 May 2026). ["Why Was NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled? Inside The Paper Leak Trail That Forced NTA To Order Re-Examination"](https://www.news18.com/india/why-was-neet-ug-2026-cancelled-inside-the-paper-leak-trail-that-forced-nta-to-order-re-examination-ws-l-10086610.html). _News18_. Retrieved 17 May 2026.