NEET UG 2026 cancelled: Gehlot accuses Rajasthan BJP of cover-up, CBI to probe
Synopsis
The NTA's cancellation of NEET UG 2026 — held just days ago on 3 May — and the handover to the CBI signals a serious institutional acknowledgement of alleged malpractice. Former CM Ashok Gehlot's charge that Rajasthan's BJP government sat on the issue for two weeks without even filing an FIR adds a sharp political dimension to what is already a high-stakes crisis for lakhs of medical aspirants.
Key Takeaways
The NTA cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 examination, held on 3 May , following Centre approval amid large-scale irregularity allegations.
The CBI has been handed the probe; the NTA pledged full cooperation and access to all records.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot alleged the BJP government suppressed the matter for nearly two weeks without registering an FIR .
Gehlot drew parallels with a previous OMR sheet scam involving the Staff Selection Board , where he alleged weak legal action led to bail for the accused.
Fresh NEET UG 2026 examination dates are yet to be announced by the NTA.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May, following approval from the Centre, as former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched a sharp attack on the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, alleging a deliberate cover-up of large-scale irregularities. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been handed the probe, with fresh exam dates yet to be announced.
Exam Cancelled Amid Irregularity Allegations
The NTA cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam days after it was held on 3 May, citing the need for a fair process following allegations of malpractice. Officials stated that fresh examination dates will be announced in due course. The NTA has also confirmed it will fully cooperate with the CBI, providing all necessary documents, records, and assistance required for the investigation.
Gehlot's Allegations Against the Rajasthan Government
Ashok Gehlot alleged that the Rajasthan BJP government deliberately attempted to suppress the matter for nearly two weeks, thereby, in his words,
Point of View
If borne out by the CBI, would point to a systemic failure of state-level accountability. What is often missed in the political back-and-forth is the human cost: lakhs of students who prepared for years must now wait again, with no date in sight. The CBI referral raises the stakes, but India's track record on prosecuting exam fraud to conviction remains thin — the real test is whether this probe delivers accountability or simply headlines.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was NEET UG 2026 cancelled?
The NTA cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination, conducted on 3 May, following Centre approval amid allegations of large-scale irregularities and a suspected paper leak. Fresh examination dates are yet to be announced.
Who is investigating the NEET UG 2026 paper leak?
The Centre has handed the investigation to the CBI. The NTA has stated it will fully cooperate and provide all necessary documents and records to the agency.
What did Ashok Gehlot allege against the Rajasthan government?
Gehlot alleged that the Rajasthan BJP government deliberately suppressed the NEET paper leak issue for nearly two weeks and failed to even register an FIR initially. He compared it to a previous OMR sheet scam involving the Staff Selection Board.
When will NEET UG 2026 be held again?
Fresh dates for the NEET UG 2026 examination have not yet been announced. The NTA has stated that dates will be communicated soon after the current investigation process is underway.
Has NEET faced controversies before?
Yes, NEET has been at the centre of malpractice allegations in previous years as well, making the latest CBI referral particularly significant for the credibility of national medical entrance examinations in India.
