NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination Date Announced: Fresh Test On June 21 Amid May 3 Exam Paper Leak Row

New Delhi: In a significant move to address the crisis in medical admissions, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially scheduled the NEET UG 2026 re-examination for Sunday, June 21. 

The decision follows the dramatic cancellation of the May 3 test after a massive paper leak scandal that compromised the integrity of the nation's largest medical entrance exam.

The move brings much-needed clarity to nearly 22 lakh medical aspirants following a period of intense anxiety. 

NTA announcement on Twitter

The NTA made the announcement through their official X handle. The NTA said, "NEET (UG) 2026 -- Examination Date Announced. The National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has scheduled the re-examination of NEET (UG) 2026 on Sunday, 21 June 2026." 

The agency also advised the parents and candidates to only rely on their official communication channels for any information or updates related to the examination. Candidates can contact the NTA through its official helpline numbers- 011-40759000 and 011-69227700- for queries related to the examination process. Queries can also be sent through email at neet-ug@nta.ac.in.

Pradhan on paper leak

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan also briefed the media on the upcoming NEET Exam at 10.30 am today. 

He announced that the NEET UG exam will move to online mode from the next academic year, a move aimed at avoiding a rerun of the paper leak in 2026 that has left lakhs of students in a limbo.

Addressing a press conference, Pradhan said: “One important point I wanted to mention is that from next year, the root issue will be addressed. The NEET examination will be conducted as a computer-based test instead of (on) OMR sheets."

He added: “Today, we are announcing a new date. The fresh examination will be held a little over a month from now. Our approach will remain the same: zero tolerance toward malpractice. This is a long battle against exam mafias and anti-social elements.

The Shadow of the Paper Leak Row

The cancellation comes after investigators in Rajasthan and Kerala uncovered a "guess paper" trail that reportedly matched over 120 questions from the actual exam. The CBI, which has taken over the probe, has already made several high-profile arrests, including consultancy owners and middlemen. 

Meanwhile, a Delhi court recently granted seven days' CBI custody of five accused arrested in connection with the alleged paper leak case. The accused include Mangilal Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Shubham Khairnar and Yash Yadav.

According to the court, the investigation is at a "very nascent stage" and points towards a larger conspiracy involving the circulation and sale of leaked question papers to candidates for large sums of money.
The cancellation of the examination triggered protests by student organisations across several states, with opposition leaders also questioning the credibility of the examination system and demanding accountability from authorities.

Pradhan Holds High-Level Meeting

Earlier yesterday, Pradhan had also held a high-level meeting at his residence on Thursday evening to assess the fallout from the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.  

The meeting was attended by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh, CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh and senior officials from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

Why was NEET cancelled?

NEET-UG 2026, conducted on May 3, was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of a coordinated paper leak. The exam, considered the country's largest undergraduate medical entrance test, was held across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering more than 5,400 centres and involving over 22 lakh candidates.

The matter is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which registered an FIR under provisions related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust and destruction of evidence, along with offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act, 2024.