The NEET-UG 2026 national medical entrance exam was abruptly cancelled on May 12, 2026 after investigators uncovered a massive paper leak. Reports showed that a “guess paper” circulating before the test contained a large number of exact questions from the official exam. For example, Rajasthan Police’s SOG found a 410-question “guess paper” whose chemistry and biology sections perfectly matched the NEET-UG paper: all 45 chemistry and 90 biology questions in the exam were present
. This extraordinary match prompted the National Testing Agency (NTA) to scrap the exam – the first full NEET cancellation since 2019 – and led to a nationwide CBI probe.
How the Leak Unfolded
Investigators traced the leaked paper through a complex multi-state network. The inquiry began when a coaching teacher in Sikar spotted suspicious similarities and filed a complaint on May 7. A student had forwarded what he thought were “guess” questions via WhatsApp, but after the exam his father discovered that 135 of the 180 questions (all 90 biology and 45 chemistry) were identical to the test. The father first complained to Sikar police, who dismissed it as rumor. He then emailed the NTA, which escalated the tip to law enforcement
. This Sikar lead prompted immediate action. Meanwhile in Maharashtra, police in Nashik detained 30-year-old Shubham Khairnar – a third-year Ayurvedic student – who had allegedly obtained a copy of the paper from the printing press and sent it onward
.
According to Rajasthan SOG’s ADG Vishal Bansal, the leaked material had been in circulation for days: “students had this paper a week before the exam; in some cases, a month”
. In fact, the suspect PDF was found on students’ phones as early as May 1. It appears the process was highly organized: the original question papers were stolen from a Nashik printing press, scanned with a high-definition portable scanner (avoiding mobile-phone photos) and then used to create a handwritten 410-question “guess paper” in Gurgaon. That guide sheet was sold to middlemen in Rajasthan. By April 26, a doctor in Gurgaon had sold it to two brothers in Jamwaramgarh – Mangilal and Dinesh Bival – for ₹30 lakh. One brother sent questions to his NEET-preparing son in Sikar, and the other and his family began selling sets of questions to aspirants for ₹30,000 each. (The CBI later arrested both Dinesh and Mangilal Bival, along with Mangilal’s son Vikas.) From these investigators pieced together how the “guess paper” reached hundreds of students across Rajasthan and beyond.
Rajasthan police say they have questioned over 150 students (and dozens of others) who received the leaked material
. “We suspect the questions were meant for only a few buyers, but greed took over and someone leaked them outside the network,” an SOG officer said. On May 8 the SOG detained Rakesh Mandawaria (also spelled “Manwariya”), a Sikar-based NEET coach known as a “paper solver” or consultant. He had allegedly boasted that over 120 questions from the circulated paper appeared in the exam
. Shubham Khairnar was handed over to the CBI, which has registered a First Information Report under charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft, destruction of evidence, corruption and offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
. CBI teams also carried out raids on 12 locations across several states as part of their nationwide probe.
Official Response and Controversy
The NTA and government have issued mixed statements. On May 12, the NTA announced it was canceling the May 3 NEET-UG exam “in the interest of transparency and preserving trust” after reviewing investigative inputs
. It said the decision – approved by the Education Ministry – was made because the exam’s integrity “could not stand” under the circumstances
. NTA Director Abhishek Singh later explained that none of the official printed question papers had been found circulating, but that the leaked PDF “contained many questions” similar to the exam
. He insisted that even a single matching question violated the NTA’s commitment to “zero error”
. The NTA said it had received the first whistleblower input on May 7 and immediately passed it to central agencies the next day
. It praised the “professional and timely work” of police and the CBI in detaining suspects
. The NTA stressed that the exam itself had been conducted under tight security (GPS-tracked transport, CCTV, biometric checks, jammers) and that the efforts of honest candidates should not be doubted
. It asked students for patience while investigations proceed, and assured them that any further steps (such as awarding grace marks) would be handled “transparently” and in consultation with the Education Ministry
.
Politically, the scandal sparked controversy. The Bival brothers accused of selling the paper are known local BJP Youth wing leaders, and photos emerged showing Dinesh Bival posing with several BJP figures – including Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar
. Opposition parties alleged that these connections delayed the probe. The Congress demanded Dilawar’s resignation, pointing out the apparent conflict of interest
. Dilawar denied any wrongdoing and downplayed the leak: he called it “not a big deal” and said the investigating agencies would handle culprits without fear or favour
. BJP leaders retorted that anyone could appear in a photo, and insisted they welcome an objective investigation. Thus far, no senior political figure has been charged – the focus remains on the paper brokers and intermediaries.
Past NEET Controversies
This is not the first time NEET has been marred by accusations of unfairness. In 2024, the exam saw a similar uproar: dozens of students unexpectedly scored near-perfect marks due to a policy of awarding grace marks for delayed start times. That year, 67 candidates got 720/720, sparking outrage. Petitions alleged question-paper leaks and irregularities. The NTA responded that “there was no question of paper leaks” and that the grace marks were meant to address evaluation inconsistencies
. The issue reached the Supreme Court, which found that about 155 students benefited unduly, but ultimately refused to cancel the exam due to lack of conclusive evidence of a large-scale conspiracy
. In short, the 2024 probe led to a few arrests (and a big media storm), but no major reform of the exam system. Many students felt justice was not done – a sentiment now echoed by protesters in 2026.
Impact on Students and Advice
The cancellation affects nearly 23 lakh NEET-UG aspirants across India
. For these students, months of grueling preparation have been abruptly upended. Surveys and experts warn that exam stress in India is already severe: over 46% of college students report significant anxiety, and one in three students preparing for exams like NEET describe their stress as “unmanageable”
. The sudden re-take means many must start studying all over again, delaying admissions and adding financial strain. Students and families report feeling “burned out” and desperate after seeing their sacrifices (forgone sleep, social life, coaching expenses) appear wasted.
Student Stress Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash
The emotional toll is heavy. Many aspirants worry that two more months of waiting will ruin their plans, especially since many sold off study materials or quit jobs assuming the exam was done.
In response to this crisis, counselors urge students to take care of their mental health and keep a balanced perspective. The NTA has said there will be no extra registration or fees for the re-exam, but the interruption is still a major blow to morale. Experts advise those affected to build a “Plan B” – pursue hobbies, practice stress-relief, and research alternative careers. As one mentor put it: “Exams are not your life. It’s possible to be successful without these tests.” In India today, exciting career fields exist beyond traditional medicine and engineering – from data science and UX design to environmental science, media and finance – many offering strong growth and salaries. Students are encouraged to explore these paths through career counseling or resources like guides to diverse fields, so that if one door closes, they have others to try.
Student Stress Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash
Despite the chaos, the NTA has announced a new NEET date (to be announced soon) and assures all valid scores and merit will be maintained. The CBI investigation continues, and a fair inquiry is demanded by many stakeholders. But for now, over 22 lakh students must cope with the shock: resisting despair and planning their next steps. In an uncertain system, the best defense is a backup plan and a focus on one’s broader goals – whether in medicine or any other vocation.
Sources: News reports and official statements from NTA, Rajasthan Police, CBI and media outlets have been cited throughout (e.g. ) to ensure accuracy of the timeline and facts presented.
