NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled To Preserve Exam Integrity, NTA Tells SC

The National Testing Agency informed the Supreme Court on Friday that it cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination to safeguard students’ interests and uphold trust in the national examination framework.

In an affidavit submitted before the apex court, the agency stated that cancelling the May 3 examination reflected its serious approach towards examination integrity.

The agency also referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The NTA stated that authorities transferred the matter to the CBI on May 12 after receiving reports concerning alleged malpractice connected to the examination process.

The agency emphasised that the decision demonstrated the Union government’s commitment towards transparency and the protection of genuine aspirants.

According to the affidavit, more than 22 lakh candidates appeared for the examination at 5,432 centres across 552 Indian cities and 14 international locations.

Officials examined strengthened security measures, including biometric verification, AI-assisted CCTV surveillance, and mobile jammers.

The NTA informed the court that authorities escalated suspicious inputs to central agencies immediately after receiving reports on May 7.

Following verification by investigative agencies, officials cancelled the examination and ordered a comprehensive CBI inquiry.

The agency further stated that the June 21 re-examination would proceed under stricter security arrangements.

Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police, District Magistrates, postal authorities, and state administrations would oversee the process.

The affidavit also confirmed that several recommendations proposed by the high-powered committee headed by former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan had already been implemented or reached advanced stages.

These reforms include Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, AI-powered monitoring systems, institutional coordination, and multi-layer oversight mechanisms.

The NTA reiterated that NEET-UG would shift to a computer-based format from the next examination cycle after consulting the Union Health Ministry.

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