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NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled; Nashik paper-leak accused in custody
The NEET-UG 2026 exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. A suspect linked to the leak was taken into custody in Nashik, and the issue triggered political reactions, protests, and calls for accountability across several states.
Why It Matters
The cancellation affects lakhs of medical aspirants and raises questions about exam integrity and governance at the national level.
Timeline
16 Events
UP Congress Ajay Rai comments on Modi government
May 12, 2026
Ajay Rai of the Uttar Pradesh Congress criticized the Modi government for the handling of national examinations, claiming it shattered youth dreams.
Kevin’s reaction to cancellation
May 12, 2026
A local NEET-UG 2026 aspirant in Hyderabad, Kevin, learned of the cancellation and expressed shock and uncertainty about rescheduling.
Educationalists in Karnataka demand accountability
May 12, 2026
Educationalists in Karnataka criticized the re-examination and called for accountability for those involved in the leak.
FAIMA statement on paper leak
May 12, 2026
FAIMA Doctors Association expressed sympathy for students and demanded accountability for the paper leak, calling for action against those involved.
NSUI protests and detentions
May 12, 2026
NSUI protesters demanded the resignation of the Education Minister and called for a ban on the NTA; several students were detained.
Rahul Gandhi comments on NEET cancellation
May 12, 2026
Rahul Gandhi posted on X criticizing the government, saying the dreams and hard work of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed.
A.P. Congress president Y.S. Sharmila criticizes Centre
May 12, 2026
Y.S. Sharmila criticised the Centre over the cancellation, alleging failure to ensure fair conduct of national examinations.
Rajasthan Opposition leader Tikaram Jully comments on cancellation
May 12, 2026
Tikaram Jully alleged organised irregularities and criticised the NTA’s decision to cancel, calling for accountability and a CBI probe.
Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty comments on negligence
May 12, 2026
V. Sivankutty accused the Centre and the NTA of grave negligence and mishandling the examination process, undermining the credibility of the national testing system.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refuses media questions
May 12, 2026
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refused to take questions from the media on the NEET-UG issue.
Accused changes appearance to evade arrest
May 12, 2026
The accused had changed his appearance to evade arrest and was later tracked down using technical evidence and surveillance.
Accused taken into custody by Nashik Crime Branch
May 12, 2026
The Crime Branch took the accused into custody and planned to hand him over to Rajasthan Police on their arrival.
Rajasthan Police request received by Nashik Crime Branch
May 12, 2026
A request from Rajasthan Police regarding an accused in the NEET case was received by Nashik's Crime Branch.
NTA to refer NEET-UG case to CBI
May 12, 2026
The NTA said the government had decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry.
NEET-UG 2026 cancellation announced
May 12, 2026
The National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of a question paper leak and examination irregularities.
NEET-UG 2026 held on May 3
May 3, 2026
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted on May 3, 2026.