Today, June 21, 2026, over 22 lakh medical aspirants are appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination across 5,440 centers in India and abroad. Following the cancellation of the May 3rd exam due to paper leak allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has deployed an unprecedented security blanket to restore the sanctity of the medical entrance process.  


Neet-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Massive Security Deployment as 22 Lakh Students Face Crucial Test 

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 CBI has arrested another key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, claiming she was the source of leaked Physics questions. The accused, an NTA-appointed expert from Pune, allegedly shared questions that later matched the actual exam paper sets.

NEET 2026: NTA Physics Specialist Held Over Alleged NEET 2026 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

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 17) questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” over the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026 and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress MP compared the government’s handling of the NEET 2024 and NEET 2026 controversies, alleging that the same pattern of leaks, investigations and committee formations was being repeated.&nbsp;“NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. The minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed. Mr Modi, the country is asking you some questions - answer them! Why are paper leaks happening repeatedly? Why are you silent time and again on this "exam paper discussion"? Why aren't you dismissing the Education Minister who keeps failing repeatedly?,” Gandhi said on X.<h2>NEET-UG controversy deepens after paper leak allegations</h2>The remarks come amid mounting controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination following allegations of a paper leak and the subsequent cancellation of the exam.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday produced accused Manisha Gurunath Mandhare before the Rouse Avenue Court and sought 14 days’ custody for further investigation.&nbsp;Mandhare is part of the National Testing Agency panel and served as an expert and translator during the examination process. The CBI informed the court that the entire process followed by the NTA was under investigation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-appoints-ghalibaf-to-oversee-ties-with-china-what-it-could-mean-for-the-us-1779008050616">'Future belongs to Global South': Iran appoints Ghalibaf to oversee ties with China - What it could mean for the US</a><h2>Rahul Gandhi raises concern over student suicides</h2>Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Centre on Friday over the rising number of suicides linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student in Uttar Pradesh who allegedly died by suicide after the exam cancellation, he said, “These youngsters didn’t lose to the exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This isn’t suicide — it’s murder by the system.”&nbsp;The Karnataka Youth Congress will organise a “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest march in Bengaluru on May 21 over the issue, with several senior Congress leaders expected to participate.&nbsp;The re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21. As a corrective measure, Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that NEET-UG will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.

The NEET 2026 exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak, and the re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 17) questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” over the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026 and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress MP compared the government’s handling of the NEET 2024 and NEET 2026 controversies, alleging that the same pattern of leaks, investigations and committee formations was being repeated. “NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. The minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed. NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed. Mr Modi, the country is asking you some questions - answer them! Why are paper leaks happening repeatedly? Why are you silent time and again on this "exam paper discussion"? Why aren't you dismissing the Education Minister who keeps failing repeatedly?,” Gandhi said on X. NEET-UG controversy deepens after paper leak allegations The remarks come amid mounting controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination following allegations of a paper leak and the subsequent cancellation of the exam. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday produced accused Manisha Gurunath Mandhare before the Rouse Avenue Court and sought 14 days’ custody for further investigation. Mandhare is part of the National Testing Agency panel and served as an expert and translator during the examination process. The CBI informed the court that the entire process followed by the NTA was under investigation. Also Read: 'Future belongs to Global South': Iran appoints Ghalibaf to oversee ties with China - What it could mean for the US Rahul Gandhi raises concern over student suicides Rahul Gandhi had also questioned the Centre on Friday over the rising number of suicides linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. Referring to the death of a 21-year-old student in Uttar Pradesh who allegedly died by suicide after the exam cancellation, he said, “These youngsters didn’t lose to the exams; they were killed by a corrupt system. This isn’t suicide — it’s murder by the system.” The Karnataka Youth Congress will organise a “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest march in Bengaluru on May 21 over the issue, with several senior Congress leaders expected to participate. The re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21. As a corrective measure, Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that NEET-UG will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.

The NEET 2026 exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak, and the re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.

'Why are you silent?': Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi, demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over NEET-UG row

In a major breakthrough in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Professor PV Kulkarni, identifying him as the alleged “kingpin” behind the leak that triggered nationwide outrage and raised fresh questions over the credibility of the National Testing Agency.&nbsp;Kulkarni, a chemistry professor at Dayanand Medical College in Latur, was reportedly part of the committee involved in setting this year’s NEET-UG question paper. He was arrested in Pune as investigators intensified the probe into what officials described as a sophisticated insider-led operation.&nbsp;According to CBI sources, the investigation has, from the very beginning, pointed towards the involvement of insiders linked to the examination process, unlike the 2024 paper leak case, where the NTA had largely escaped allegations of internal compromise.&nbsp;The agency alleged that Kulkarni used his authorised access to the examination paper during the final week of April 2026 and coordinated with others to circulate the leaked material among selected candidates. His alleged associate, Manisha Waghmare, was arrested by the CBI on May 14.&nbsp;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>&nbsp;<h2>CBI gets custody of NTA insider&nbsp;</h2>Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday sent accused Dhananjay Lokhande to six days of CBI custody in connection with the case. The agency told the court that Lokhande had received the leaked NEET-UG 2026 examination material from co-accused Manisha Waghmare before allegedly passing it on to another accused, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar.&nbsp;According to the CBI, leaked PDF copies of the question paper were later circulated through Telegram on April 24.&nbsp;The agency sought custodial interrogation to recover digital devices, trace financial transactions and identify possible NTA officials involved in the conspiracy. Special Judge Ajay Gupta granted the remand after hearing the submissions made by the CBI.&nbsp;Five other accused are also currently in seven-day CBI custody and are scheduled to be produced before the court on May 22.<h2>NEET-UG to shift online from next year</h2>Amid the widening controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that NEET-UG examinations will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year.&nbsp;He also confirmed that the re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 will be held on June 21, days after authorities scrapped the May 3 exam following the paper leak scandal that affected over 22 lakh aspirants across the country.&nbsp;The controversy has triggered sharp criticism of the NTA and intensified demands for stricter safeguards in national-level entrance examinations.

The CBI alleged that Kulkarni used his authorised access to the NEET-UG 2026 question paper during the final week of April and worked with others to circulate the leaked material among selected candidates. His alleged associate, Manisha Waghmare, was arrested by the CBI on May 14.

In a major breakthrough in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Professor PV Kulkarni, identifying him as the alleged “kingpin” behind the leak that triggered nationwide outrage and raised fresh questions over the credibility of the National Testing Agency. Kulkarni, a chemistry professor at Dayanand Medical College in Latur, was reportedly part of the committee involved in setting this year’s NEET-UG question paper. He was arrested in Pune as investigators intensified the probe into what officials described as a sophisticated insider-led operation. According to CBI sources, the investigation has, from the very beginning, pointed towards the involvement of insiders linked to the examination process, unlike the 2024 paper leak case, where the NTA had largely escaped allegations of internal compromise. The agency alleged that Kulkarni used his authorised access to the examination paper during the final week of April 2026 and coordinated with others to circulate the leaked material among selected candidates. His alleged associate, Manisha Waghmare, was arrested by the CBI on May 14. Also Read: NEET-UG exam to be fully online from next year: Dharmendra Pradhan admits ‘guess paper’ leak, unveils major overhaul CBI gets custody of NTA insider Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday sent accused Dhananjay Lokhande to six days of CBI custody in connection with the case. The agency told the court that Lokhande had received the leaked NEET-UG 2026 examination material from co-accused Manisha Waghmare before allegedly passing it on to another accused, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar. According to the CBI, leaked PDF copies of the question paper were later circulated through Telegram on April 24. The agency sought custodial interrogation to recover digital devices, trace financial transactions and identify possible NTA officials involved in the conspiracy. Special Judge Ajay Gupta granted the remand after hearing the submissions made by the CBI. Five other accused are also currently in seven-day CBI custody and are scheduled to be produced before the court on May 22. NEET-UG to shift online from next year Amid the widening controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced that NEET-UG examinations will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year. He also confirmed that the re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 will be held on June 21, days after authorities scrapped the May 3 exam following the paper leak scandal that affected over 22 lakh aspirants across the country. The controversy has triggered sharp criticism of the NTA and intensified demands for stricter safeguards in national-level entrance examinations.

The CBI alleged that Kulkarni used his authorised access to the NEET-UG 2026 question paper during the final week of April and worked with others to circulate the leaked material among selected candidates. His alleged associate, Manisha Waghmare, was arrested by the CBI on May 14.

NEET-UG paper leak case: CBI arrests ‘kingpin’ chemistry professor from Pune

After approval from the Government of India, it confirmed the re-test decision. It also stated it would “fully cooperate with the investigation” and provide all records and assistance required by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

After approval from the Government of India, it confirmed the re-test decision. It also stated it would “fully cooperate with the investigation” and provide all records and assistance required by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

What is the NTA? Inside India’s testing agency at the centre of the NEET UG 2026 row

Investigators said the material had been shared two to three days before the examination, raising concerns over a possible organised leak network.

Investigators said the material had been shared two to three days before the examination, raising concerns over a possible organised leak network.

NEET UG 2026 cancelled: A look at the major NTA controversies over the years

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Neet-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Massive Security Deployment as 22 Lakh Students Face Crucial Test

NEET-UG 2026 paper controversy: CBI identifies 'actual source' of questions leak

NEET 2026: NTA Physics Specialist Held Over Alleged NEET 2026 Paper Leak

NEET paper leak scandal: Govt may cap attempts and impose age limit on aspirants

'Why are you silent?': Rahul Gandhi questions PM Modi over NEET-UG row

NEET-UG paper leak case: CBI arrests ‘kingpin’ chemistry professor from Pune

What is NTA? Inside India’s testing agency at the centre of the NEET UG 2026 row

NEET UG 2026 cancelled: A look at the major NTA controversies over the years