NEET-UG Leak Row: Anand Kumar Calls For Strict Action Against Coaching Mafia

NEET-UG 2026 has been cancelled nine days after the 3 May exam, triggering a re-test and a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into alleged irregularities. Nearly 22 lakh aspirants had appeared for the medical entrance test, which is run by the National Testing Agency and is required for undergraduate medical admissions across India.

Super 30 founder Anand Kumar has urged authorities to use this disruption to overhaul exam safeguards and regulation of coaching centres. Anand Kumar warned that repeated controversies around national entrance tests leave young candidates stressed and discouraged, and said strict, visible action is needed to restore confidence in the selection process.

NEET-UG 2026: Anand Kumar reaction and message to students

Reacting to the cancellation, Anand Kumar called the development "very unfortunate" and highlighted the emotional impact. During a phone interview with Aaj Tak TV, Anand Kumar said, "This is a very unfortunate thing. Students lose morale every time something like this happens." Anand Kumar urged candidates not to panic and to see the fresh attempt as another opportunity.

Anand Kumar also welcomed early progress by investigators in tracing those allegedly involved in malpractice. Anand Kumar said, "The good thing is that the accused have been caught. I would advise students to stay strong and remain optimistic that they have got another chance." Anand Kumar said timely accountability could limit damage to the exam's credibility.

NEET-UG 2026: NTA decision, CBI investigation and exam security

In its statement, the National Testing Agency said NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled after material shared by law enforcement agencies and central bodies was examined. The NTA noted that the information suggested "the present examination process could not be allowed to stand". Fresh dates for the re-test will be declared separately by the agency.

The Union government has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into all allegations around NEET-UG 2026. The NTA has said it will hand over every record and document to the CBI and extend full assistance. The decision aims to provide a single, central investigation into suspected leaks and related activities.

NEET-UG 2026: Coaching centres, regulations and Anand Kumar’s demands

Anand Kumar has pressed for firm action on coaching centres if their role in the alleged irregularities is confirmed. Anand Kumar said, "The government should take strict action and ensure that this is not repeated." Anand Kumar argued that coaching institutes must face tighter oversight to curb unfair practices and protect serious aspirants.

Asked about coaching networks already under the scanner of the Rajasthan Special Operations Group, Anand Kumar replied that regulation needs urgent strengthening. Anand Kumar said, "It's important to tighten the noose on coaching centres. There should be strict implementation of rules. The government must ensure tough measures like China." Anand Kumar linked weak enforcement with repeated exam controversies.

NEET-UG 2026: China’s exam model and anti-cheating measures

Explaining the reference to China, Anand Kumar pointed to Beijing’s strict approach towards coaching institutes and exam fairness. China’s Ministry of Education has deployed advanced anti-cheating technologies, stronger surveillance at exam halls, and tighter security for question paper printing, transport and storage, particularly for the gaokao, the national college entrance examination.

Chinese authorities have also increased scrutiny at admission and result stages to stop fraudulent enrolments and "stolen" seats. Alongside this, China has widened support for students from rural and poorer regions by raising reserved admission quotas at top universities and giving some provinces more subject choice flexibility. These measures aim to deter corruption while keeping public trust in competitive exams.

NEET-UG 2026: Alleged guess papers and timeline of malpractice claims

The NTA earlier stated that the 3 May exam used GPS-tracked movement of question paper packets with unique watermarks and AI-supported CCTV monitoring from a central control room. According to the agency, inputs about alleged malpractice came on 7 May and were shared with central agencies on 8 May for independent checks and suitable action.

Investigators are probing whether "guess papers" circulated by some coaching networks and middlemen before the test contained content tied to leaked or illegally accessed questions. These compilations of predicted questions are suspected to have overlapped with actual material in some instances. Agencies are examining if organised groups, possibly linked to coaching centres, coordinated such activity before NEET-UG 2026.

The latest controversy around NEET-UG 2026 has renewed debate over exam security, commercial coaching and fairness in high-stakes tests. With a re-test pending and a CBI probe under way, students await clearer answers on what went wrong. Anand Kumar’s appeal underscores demand for stricter rules so future batches face fewer doubts over their hard-earned scores.