National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh on Saturday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be engaged to transport question papers for the NEET re-examination scheduled to be held on June 21, as authorities strengthen security arrangements for the national-level test.&nbsp;Singh made the announcement while virtually attending a meeting chaired by Telangana Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to review preparations for the examination.According to a state government release, Singh said enhanced security protocols are being implemented to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the examination.&nbsp;"He (Singh) stated that, for the first time, the Indian Air Force is being engaged to transport question papers, reflecting the importance being accorded to maintaining the integrity and security of the examination process," the release said.&nbsp;State Principal Secretary (Health) Christina Z Chongthu informed the meeting that around 73,000 candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 208 centres spread across 24 cities in Telangana.<h2>NTA warns students against fake paper leak claims</h2>Earlier in the day, the NTA issued an advisory cautioning students and parents against social media messages claiming that the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper had been leaked or was being sold online.&nbsp;The agency described such claims as false and fraudulent and said they were intended to mislead candidates ahead of the examination.&nbsp;In a post on X, the NTA said organised cheating networks were exploiting the anxiety of students and their families to extract money through fake promises of access to question papers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/domestic-lpg-cylinder-price-hiked-by-29-marking-second-increase-in-3-months-1780773898497">Domestic LPG cylinder price hiked by ₹29, marking second increase in 3 months</a>&nbsp;"The National Testing Agency (NTA) has noted certain messages circulating on social media and messaging platforms claiming a 'leak,' advance access, or 'sale' of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper. These claims are false, fraudulent, and intended to mislead. Such content is the work of organised cheating rackets that prey on the anxiety of students and their families. Their objective is to extort money by selling fake "papers," and every such claim circulating is a fabrication," the NTA said.&nbsp;The agency further stated that it is taking action against those responsible for spreading such misinformation and is working with relevant authorities to remove the content.&nbsp;“NTA is actively identifying and reporting the offending channels, accounts, and content to the concerned platforms and to cybercrime authorities for immediate takedown and action.”

The NTA also issued an advisory urging candidates and their parents to ignore social media rumours alleging a leak or sale of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper.

National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh on Saturday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be engaged to transport question papers for the NEET re-examination scheduled to be held on June 21, as authorities strengthen security arrangements for the national-level test. Singh made the announcement while virtually attending a meeting chaired by Telangana Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to review preparations for the examination. According to a state government release, Singh said enhanced security protocols are being implemented to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the examination. "He (Singh) stated that, for the first time, the Indian Air Force is being engaged to transport question papers, reflecting the importance being accorded to maintaining the integrity and security of the examination process," the release said. State Principal Secretary (Health) Christina Z Chongthu informed the meeting that around 73,000 candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 208 centres spread across 24 cities in Telangana. NTA warns students against fake paper leak claims Earlier in the day, the NTA issued an advisory cautioning students and parents against social media messages claiming that the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper had been leaked or was being sold online. The agency described such claims as false and fraudulent and said they were intended to mislead candidates ahead of the examination. In a post on X, the NTA said organised cheating networks were exploiting the anxiety of students and their families to extract money through fake promises of access to question papers. Also Read: Domestic LPG cylinder price hiked by ₹29, marking second increase in 3 months "The National Testing Agency (NTA) has noted certain messages circulating on social media and messaging platforms claiming a 'leak,' advance access, or 'sale' of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper. These claims are false, fraudulent, and intended to mislead. Such content is the work of organised cheating rackets that prey on the anxiety of students and their families. Their objective is to extort money by selling fake "papers," and every such claim circulating is a fabrication," the NTA said. The agency further stated that it is taking action against those responsible for spreading such misinformation and is working with relevant authorities to remove the content. “NTA is actively identifying and reporting the offending channels, accounts, and content to the concerned platforms and to cybercrime authorities for immediate takedown and action.”

The NTA also issued an advisory urging candidates and their parents to ignore social media rumours alleging a leak or sale of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination question paper.

For the first time, Air Force to transport NEET question papers ahead of June 21 exam

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation is rapidly widening, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now arresting two more accused in the case, taking the total number of arrests so far to 13. Among those arrested is Dr Manoj Shirure, a doctor based in Maharashtra’s Latur district. According to investigators, he allegedly played a direct role in helping three students access leaked chemistry questions before the examination. One of those students, the agency claims, is the son of a coaching centre owner already under arrest in the case.The second accused arrested is Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a Physics faculty member associated with Pune-based Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA). The CBI says Shah received leaked Physics questions from another arrested accused, Manisha Havaldar.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neet-paper-leak-scandal-govt-may-cap-attempts-and-impose-age-limit-on-aspirants-report-1779421956713">After NEET paper leak scandal, govt may cap attempts and impose age limit on aspirants: Report</a><h2>CBI searches 49 locations</h2>So far, the CBI has carried out searches at 49 locations across the country, said the investigative agency. Officials say investigators have seized laptops, mobile phones and several incriminating documents, all of which are currently undergoing forensic and digital analysis. "Investigation to unearth the chain as well as the conspiracy in this case is ongoing. CBI has so far conducted searches at 49 locations in various places and seized several incriminating documents, Laptops, and mobile phones. Detailed analysis of the seized items is going on."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-2026-to-be-fully-online-from-next-year-dharmendra-pradhan-admits-guess-paper-leak-unveils-major-overhaul-cbt-mode-nta-corruption-1778832077492">NEET-UG exam to be fully online from next year: Dharmendra Pradhan admits ‘guess paper’ leak, unveils major overhaul</a><h2>CBI identifies the actual source behind paper leak</h2>The CBI in its statement said that it has identified the "actual source of the leakage of Chemistry, Biology and Physics questions which were circulated "before the May 3 examination."So far, 13 accused have been arrested in this case from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, Latur and Ahliyanagar. Investigation is continuing with various special teams working in tandem," said the statement.The case was officially registered on May 12 after the Ministry of Education lodged a complaint following allegations of a coordinated leak operation.The scandal has triggered massive outrage among students and parents nationwide, especially because more than 22 lakh candidates appeared for the exam across over 5,400 centres in India and abroad.&nbsp; Following the controversy, the government cancelled NEET-UG 2026 entirely and ordered a re-examination under tighter security measures. The fresh exam is now scheduled to be held on June 21. &nbsp;

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak probe is getting bigger, with the CBI now arresting two more accused, including a doctor and a physics teacher allegedly linked to leaked questions circulated before the exam. Investigators say they have now identified the original source of the leak.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation is rapidly widening, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now arresting two more accused in the case, taking the total number of arrests so far to 13. Among those arrested is Dr Manoj Shirure, a doctor based in Maharashtra’s Latur district. According to investigators, he allegedly played a direct role in helping three students access leaked chemistry questions before the examination. One of those students, the agency claims, is the son of a coaching centre owner already under arrest in the case. The second accused arrested is Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a Physics faculty member associated with Pune-based Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA). The CBI says Shah received leaked Physics questions from another arrested accused, Manisha Havaldar. Also read | After NEET paper leak scandal, govt may cap attempts and impose age limit on aspirants: Report CBI searches 49 locations So far, the CBI has carried out searches at 49 locations across the country, said the investigative agency. Officials say investigators have seized laptops, mobile phones and several incriminating documents, all of which are currently undergoing forensic and digital analysis. "Investigation to unearth the chain as well as the conspiracy in this case is ongoing. CBI has so far conducted searches at 49 locations in various places and seized several incriminating documents, Laptops, and mobile phones. Detailed analysis of the seized items is going on." Also read | NEET-UG exam to be fully online from next year: Dharmendra Pradhan admits ‘guess paper’ leak, unveils major overhaul CBI identifies the actual source behind paper leak The CBI in its statement said that it has identified the "actual source of the leakage of Chemistry, Biology and Physics questions which were circulated "before the May 3 examination. "So far, 13 accused have been arrested in this case from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, Latur and Ahliyanagar. Investigation is continuing with various special teams working in tandem," said the statement. The case was officially registered on May 12 after the Ministry of Education lodged a complaint following allegations of a coordinated leak operation. The scandal has triggered massive outrage among students and parents nationwide, especially because more than 22 lakh candidates appeared for the exam across over 5,400 centres in India and abroad. Following the controversy, the government cancelled NEET-UG 2026 entirely and ordered a re-examination under tighter security measures. The fresh exam is now scheduled to be held on June 21.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak probe is getting bigger, with the CBI now arresting two more accused, including a doctor and a physics teacher allegedly linked to leaked questions circulated before the exam. Investigators say they have now identified the original source of the leak.

NEET-UG 2026 paper controversy: CBI identifies 'actual source' of Chemistry, Biology and Physics questions leak; 2 more arrested

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (May 25) expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 due to paper leak, saying that it was “sad” that no lessons have been learned from previous such instances. This came as the top court heard a plea seeking the replacement of the National Testing Agency with an autonomous body for conducting the medical entrance exam in the country. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) had moved the court challenging the alleged “systemic failure” by the NTA in conducting the exam. The court has sought a reply from the Centre, the Education Ministry, and the NTA over the matter.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe ordered that a copy of all petitions should be served to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The court has also asked the NTA to file an affidavit by Thursday (May 28) on compliance with the directions issued by the court in 2024 on measures to strengthen the NEET mechanism.“We are so sad, they (NTA) haven’t learnt their lessons. We passed an order directing the constitution of a committee to give recommendations, which was accepted,” Justice Narasimha said.The court ordered, “We direct the NTA to file an affidavit indicating the position as regard to the monitoring committee constituted on 14 November, 2024. We also direct Dr K Radhakrishnan, the former chairman, to file an affidavit indicating the steps taken to ensure the compliance given by the High Powered Committtee that has given its report. The affidavit shall be filed within 3 days.”In the petition, FAIMA asked the court to direct the Centre to replace the NTA with a “more robust, technologically advanced, and autonomous body” for conducting NEET entrance exams. The plea was filed days after the NTA cancelled NEET-UG 2026, which was conducted on May 3, following an alleged paper leak. According to reports, “guess papers” circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram matched more than 100 questions in the actual question paper. The investigation has been handed over to the CBI.The plea further requested the formation of a high-powered monitoring committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with a cybersecurity expert and a forensic scientist as members, to oversee the re-conduct of NEET-UG 2026 until a new independent examination authority is established.It also sought directions for re-conducting NEET-UG 2026 under the supervision of a judicially appointed high-powered committee, with the examination process to proceed only after the proposed interim oversight panel verifies and certifies the security of the revised system.Additionally, the petition called for the digital locking of question papers and a shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format to remove risks associated with the physical handling and transportation of exam papers.Meanwhile, the court directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to submit a counter-affidavit and instructed the chairman of the monitoring committee to ensure compliance with its directions. The matter has now been scheduled for a hearing on Friday (May 29).

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, saying the NTA “hasn’t learnt lessons.” It sought replies from the Centre and NTA, while petitions demanded a fresh exam, tighter security, and replacing the agency.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday (May 25) expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 due to paper leak, saying that it was “sad” that no lessons have been learned from previous such instances. This came as the top court heard a plea seeking the replacement of the National Testing Agency with an autonomous body for conducting the medical entrance exam in the country. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) had moved the court challenging the alleged “systemic failure” by the NTA in conducting the exam. The court has sought a reply from the Centre, the Education Ministry, and the NTA over the matter. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe ordered that a copy of all petitions should be served to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The court has also asked the NTA to file an affidavit by Thursday (May 28) on compliance with the directions issued by the court in 2024 on measures to strengthen the NEET mechanism. “We are so sad, they (NTA) haven’t learnt their lessons. We passed an order directing the constitution of a committee to give recommendations, which was accepted,” Justice Narasimha said. The court ordered, “We direct the NTA to file an affidavit indicating the position as regard to the monitoring committee constituted on 14 November, 2024. We also direct Dr K Radhakrishnan, the former chairman, to file an affidavit indicating the steps taken to ensure the compliance given by the High Powered Committtee that has given its report. The affidavit shall be filed within 3 days.” In the petition, FAIMA asked the court to direct the Centre to replace the NTA with a “more robust, technologically advanced, and autonomous body” for conducting NEET entrance exams. The plea was filed days after the NTA cancelled NEET-UG 2026, which was conducted on May 3, following an alleged paper leak. According to reports, “guess papers” circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram matched more than 100 questions in the actual question paper. The investigation has been handed over to the CBI. The plea further requested the formation of a high-powered monitoring committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with a cybersecurity expert and a forensic scientist as members, to oversee the re-conduct of NEET-UG 2026 until a new independent examination authority is established. It also sought directions for re-conducting NEET-UG 2026 under the supervision of a judicially appointed high-powered committee, with the examination process to proceed only after the proposed interim oversight panel verifies and certifies the security of the revised system. Additionally, the petition called for the digital locking of question papers and a shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format to remove risks associated with the physical handling and transportation of exam papers. Meanwhile, the court directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to submit a counter-affidavit and instructed the chairman of the monitoring committee to ensure compliance with its directions. The matter has now been scheduled for a hearing on Friday (May 29).

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, saying the NTA “hasn’t learnt lessons.” It sought replies from the Centre and NTA, while petitions demanded a fresh exam, tighter security, and replacing the agency.

‘They haven’t learnt lessons’: SC seeks response from Centre, NTA over 2026 NEET paper leak

Amidst growing concerns over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, triggered by the recent paper leak, the Government of India (GOI) on Thursday (May 21) told a parliamentary panel that it would recommend a cap on the number of attempts for NEET-UG aspirants. GOI might also introduce an upper age limit, reports Hindustan Times, citing sources. This comes as Director General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Abhishek Singh, appeared before a Parliamentary committee to provide a detailed briefing on the NEET-UG paper leak and the steps being taken to reform the examination process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-gets-top-us-space-honour-years-after-historic-moon-landing-goddard-astronautics-award-1779417149649">Chandrayaan-3 gets top US space honour years after historic Moon landing</a>At the committee hearing, NTA also insisted that it was not a case of “paper leak”. Notably, earlier this month (on May 15), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during a high-stakes press conference, admitted that a leak had happened. "Questions have gone out under the guise of guess papers," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Three long-term reforms expected</h2>As per reports, the NTA Director General told the parliamentary standing committee headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh that the agency would implement three "long-term measures" in consultation with the Union Health Ministry following the recommendations of an expert committee chaired by former Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Radhakrishnan. These are: transition from pen-and-paper examinations to computer-based testing as announced earlier; the introduction of multi-session and multi-stage testing; and capping of the number of attempts, implementing age limits.Currently, the NTA administers NEET-UG in a single shift, using a pen-and-paper format. Candidates must be at least 17 years old to appear for the exam; there is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-2026-to-be-fully-online-from-next-year-dharmendra-pradhan-admits-guess-paper-leak-unveils-major-overhaul-cbt-mode-nta-corruption-1778832077492">NEET-UG exam to be fully online from next year: Dharmendra Pradhan admits ‘guess paper’ leak, unveils major overhaul</a>NTA, as per the HT report, a<h2>Why was NEET-UG 2026 cancelled?</h2>NEET UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of a coordinated paper leak. The exam, conducted on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, saw participation from over 22 lakh candidates. A reexamination is scheduled for June 21. To prevent such irregularities, the exam will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.

India may soon introduce major restrictions for NEET-UG aspirants, including limits on the number of attempts and possibly an upper age cap, following the massive controversy surrounding the NEET 2026 paper leak case. Scroll down.

Amidst growing concerns over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, triggered by the recent paper leak, the Government of India (GOI) on Thursday (May 21) told a parliamentary panel that it would recommend a cap on the number of attempts for NEET-UG aspirants. GOI might also introduce an upper age limit, reports Hindustan Times, citing sources. This comes as Director General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Abhishek Singh, appeared before a Parliamentary committee to provide a detailed briefing on the NEET-UG paper leak and the steps being taken to reform the examination process. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 gets top US space honour years after historic Moon landing At the committee hearing, NTA also insisted that it was not a case of “paper leak”. Notably, earlier this month (on May 15), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during a high-stakes press conference, admitted that a leak had happened. "Questions have gone out under the guise of guess papers," he said. Three long-term reforms expected As per reports, the NTA Director General told the parliamentary standing committee headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh that the agency would implement three "long-term measures" in consultation with the Union Health Ministry following the recommendations of an expert committee chaired by former Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Radhakrishnan. These are: transition from pen-and-paper examinations to computer-based testing as announced earlier; the introduction of multi-session and multi-stage testing; and capping of the number of attempts, implementing age limits. Currently, the NTA administers NEET-UG in a single shift, using a pen-and-paper format. Candidates must be at least 17 years old to appear for the exam; there is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts. Also read | NEET-UG exam to be fully online from next year: Dharmendra Pradhan admits ‘guess paper’ leak, unveils major overhaul NTA, as per the HT report, a Why was NEET-UG 2026 cancelled? NEET UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of a coordinated paper leak. The exam, conducted on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, saw participation from over 22 lakh candidates. A reexamination is scheduled for June 21. To prevent such irregularities, the exam will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.

India may soon introduce major restrictions for NEET-UG aspirants, including limits on the number of attempts and possibly an upper age cap, following the massive controversy surrounding the NEET 2026 paper leak case. Scroll down.

After NEET paper leak scandal, govt may cap attempts and impose age limit on aspirants: Report

A Botany teacher from Pune, who was an NTA subject expert, has been arrested for leaking the NEET-UG Biology question paper, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Saturday, taking the total number of arrests to nine. The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was arrested in Delhi after the CBI questioned her. Mandhare worked for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) process following her appointment by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert, the CBI said.&nbsp;In April, Mandhare got in touch with NEET candidates through Manisha Wagmare, another accused from Pune who was arrested earlier, and gave coaching classes to select students at her house.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-if-pakistan-continues-to-harbour-terrorists-they-will-army-chief-upendra-dwivedi-issues-stern-warning-1778937070757">‘If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, they will...’: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issues stern warning</a>&nbsp;She allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks, the CBI said. Most of the questions tallied with the actual paper of NEET-UG held on May 3, the probe agency said.&nbsp;In the last 24 hours, the CBI conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones and a detailed analysis of the seized items is going on.The nine accused arrested so far in the paper leak case are from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune and Ahliyanagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-who-replaced-mohd-sinwar-and-helped-plan-oct-7-attacks-killed-says-israel-1778933840744">Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel</a>&nbsp;The CBI said its investigation has found the actual source of the leakage of Chemistry and Biology papers as well as the middlemen involved in getting in touch with students who paid lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching classes, where the questions in the NEET UG question paper were dictated and discussed.The CBI on Friday arrested PV Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer associated with the examination process on behalf of the NTA.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday granted 10 days’ custody of accused Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further interrogation in the case.&nbsp;The CBI told the court that both accused were part of a larger conspiracy involving the alleged obtaining and distribution of the leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks. Most of the questions tallied with the actual NNET-UG paper held on May 3.

A Botany teacher from Pune, who was an NTA subject expert, has been arrested for leaking the NEET-UG Biology question paper, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Saturday, taking the total number of arrests to nine. The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was arrested in Delhi after the CBI questioned her. Mandhare worked for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) process following her appointment by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert, the CBI said. In April, Mandhare got in touch with NEET candidates through Manisha Wagmare, another accused from Pune who was arrested earlier, and gave coaching classes to select students at her house. Also Read: ‘If Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, they will...’: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi issues stern warning She allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks, the CBI said. Most of the questions tallied with the actual paper of NEET-UG held on May 3, the probe agency said. In the last 24 hours, the CBI conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones and a detailed analysis of the seized items is going on. The nine accused arrested so far in the paper leak case are from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune and Ahliyanagar. Also Read: Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel The CBI said its investigation has found the actual source of the leakage of Chemistry and Biology papers as well as the middlemen involved in getting in touch with students who paid lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching classes, where the questions in the NEET UG question paper were dictated and discussed. The CBI on Friday arrested PV Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer associated with the examination process on behalf of the NTA. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday granted 10 days’ custody of accused Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further interrogation in the case. The CBI told the court that both accused were part of a larger conspiracy involving the alleged obtaining and distribution of the leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper. The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

The Botany teacher, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, allegedly disclosed important questions from Botany and Zoology and made the students note down the same in their notebooks and also mark in their textbooks. Most of the questions tallied with the actual NNET-UG paper held on May 3.

CBI arrests Pune teacher, the ‘second mastermind’ who leaked NEET-UG Biology question paper

A medical aspirant in Rajasthan allegedly died by suicide amid growing anxiety surrounding the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, with his family claiming he had performed well in the test and was expecting around 650 marks. According to police, the student, identified as Pradeep Meghwal, was a resident of Jhunjhunu district’s Gudha Gaudji area. He had been living in Sikar with his two sisters for the past three years while preparing for the medical entrance examination at a private coaching institute.&nbsp;Udyog Nagar station house officer Rajesh Kumar said Pradeep allegedly hanged himself from a ceiling fan using his sister’s scarf. Police said the incident took place on Friday afternoon when his younger sister had gone to coaching classes and his elder sister was in the bathroom. On returning, she allegedly found him hanging from the ceiling fan. She reportedly cut the scarf with scissors and informed the landlord and police.&nbsp;Family members and police rushed him to SK Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body has been kept in the hospital mortuary. Pradeep had appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3. His father, Rajesh Kumar Meghwal, told police that his son had done well in the examination and the family was expecting him to score around 650 marks out of 720.&nbsp;The family said he was confident of securing a government medical college seat this year, but became distressed after the examination was cancelled over alleged irregularities and a paper leak. They claimed the uncertainty surrounding the re-examination pushed him into depression.&nbsp;The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination earlier this week, which was taken by more than 22 lakh aspirants across the country, following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the re-examination would be held on June 21. He also stated that the medical entrance examination would transition to a computer-based format starting next year.&nbsp;Expressing grief over the student’s death, Sachin Pilot said incidents linked to the NEET paper leak and exam cancellation had created anxiety among aspirants. In a post on X, Pilot described Pradeep’s death as “extremely heartbreaking” and also referred to similar suicide cases reported from Goa and Uttar Pradesh following the NEET-UG controversy.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEET परीक्षा की तैयारी कर रहे झुंझुनूं जिले के गुढ़ागौड़जी निवासी छात्र प्रदीप की आत्महत्या बेहद दुःखद है। इसी प्रकार गोवा और उत्तर प्रदेश से NEET 2026 पेपर लीक से जुड़ी घटनाओं के बाद छात्रों की आत्महत्याओं की खबरें मन को विचलित करने वाली हैं। मैं शोक संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति…&mdash; Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) <a href="https://twitter.com/SachinPilot/status/2055316640921981294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Rajasthan case comes amid a series of similar incidents reported from across the country after the cancellation of the examination. In Delhi’s Azadpur, a 20-year-old NEET aspirant allegedly died by suicide at her residence. Police said no suicide note was found, and the exact reason behind the incident was yet to be ascertained. According to PTI, the family later took the body for cremation without informing the police.&nbsp;In Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri, 21-year-old Ritik Mishra allegedly died by suicide after reportedly being distressed by the cancellation of the examination. His family said he had been confident about clearing the exam on his third attempt. A 17-year-old boy from South Goa district also allegedly died by suicide after appearing for NEET-UG 2026. Police said his suicide note cited academic stress and concerns over balancing studies with his passion for hockey.&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/11181469">Get help &amp; support for suicide</a>&nbsp;If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information in the above link. WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 over paper leak allegations has sparked a nationwide mental health crisis, leading to multiple student suicides, including a top-scoring aspirant in Rajasthan.

A medical aspirant in Rajasthan allegedly died by suicide amid growing anxiety surrounding the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, with his family claiming he had performed well in the test and was expecting around 650 marks. According to police, the student, identified as Pradeep Meghwal, was a resident of Jhunjhunu district’s Gudha Gaudji area. He had been living in Sikar with his two sisters for the past three years while preparing for the medical entrance examination at a private coaching institute. Udyog Nagar station house officer Rajesh Kumar said Pradeep allegedly hanged himself from a ceiling fan using his sister’s scarf. Police said the incident took place on Friday afternoon when his younger sister had gone to coaching classes and his elder sister was in the bathroom. On returning, she allegedly found him hanging from the ceiling fan. She reportedly cut the scarf with scissors and informed the landlord and police. Family members and police rushed him to SK Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body has been kept in the hospital mortuary. Pradeep had appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3. His father, Rajesh Kumar Meghwal, told police that his son had done well in the examination and the family was expecting him to score around 650 marks out of 720. The family said he was confident of securing a government medical college seat this year, but became distressed after the examination was cancelled over alleged irregularities and a paper leak. They claimed the uncertainty surrounding the re-examination pushed him into depression. The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination earlier this week, which was taken by more than 22 lakh aspirants across the country, following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that the re-examination would be held on June 21. He also stated that the medical entrance examination would transition to a computer-based format starting next year. Expressing grief over the student’s death, Sachin Pilot said incidents linked to the NEET paper leak and exam cancellation had created anxiety among aspirants. In a post on X, Pilot described Pradeep’s death as “extremely heartbreaking” and also referred to similar suicide cases reported from Goa and Uttar Pradesh following the NEET-UG controversy.

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 over paper leak allegations has sparked a nationwide mental health crisis, leading to multiple student suicides, including a top-scoring aspirant in Rajasthan.

NEET 2026: Another aspirant commits suicide after cancellation of exam over paper leak row

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NEET 2026: Another aspirant commits suicide after cancellation of exam