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Complaints regarding a paper leak had surfaced concerning the NEET UG 2026 examination. Following the report submitted by the investigating agency, questions were raised regarding the integrity and fairness of the examination process. Consequently, the NEET UG 2026—the country’s largest medical entrance examination—has now been cancelled.

NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled: Complaints alleging paper leaks and irregularities regarding the NEET UG 2026 examination had emerged across several states. Following the preliminary report from the investigating agency, doubts were cast upon the impartiality of the examination process. As a result, the NEET UG 2026—the nation’s premier medical entrance exam—has been cancelled. The cancellation of the exam has sparked numerous questions in the minds of lakhs of students and their parents. The most pressing questions are: Will candidates have to re-apply for the examination? Will the exam fee need to be deposited again? And, ultimately, when will the new examination be conducted? In light of this, let us explain today whether you will be required to pay the exam fee again for the re-examination and what the complete process will entail.

Why Was the NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled?

Complaints regarding a paper leak concerning the NEET UG 2026 examination were received from several states. An investigation conducted by the Rajasthan SOG (Special Operations Group) revealed that an alleged “guess paper” had gone viral on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups prior to the examination. The investigation claimed that several questions contained within the viral document matched those in the actual examination paper. Following this revelation, the matter escalated in gravity, prompting the Central Government to decide to hand over the investigation to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). The NTA (National Testing Agency) stated that continuing with the existing examination process would not be in the best interest of the students; consequently, the examination was cancelled.

Will the Exam Fee Need to Be Deposited Again?

The NTA took the significant decision to cancel the NEET UG examination following approval from the Central Government. In the wake of this decision, the NTA has clarified that the examination will be conducted again. However, the new dates for the examination have not yet been announced. The agency has stated that information regarding the revised examination schedule and the issuance of new admit cards will be released shortly on the official website. Furthermore, the agency has clarified that no additional fee will be charged for the re-examination. According to the NTA, the agency will conduct the re-examination using its own internal resources, and the financial burden for this will not be passed on to the students. Moreover, the examination fees already deposited by the students will be refunded to them.

How will the fees be refunded?

According to the NTA, the fees deposited by students will be refunded through the same mode of payment used for the original transaction. If a student paid the fees via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking, the refund will be credited directly to that specific account. Meanwhile, separate guidelines may be issued later for students who made payments via bank challan or offline modes. According to sources, the refund process is expected to take approximately 7 to 15 days to complete. However, the NTA is likely to issue an official notice regarding this shortly.

Will students need to register again for the examination?

Providing relief to the students, the NTA has clarified that a fresh registration will not be required for the re-examination. The complete data of students who applied for the May 2026 session will remain valid for the upcoming examination. This includes their application forms, documents, eligibility status, and selected examination centers; in other words, students will not need to fill out forms or upload documents again.