NEET UG 2026 Row: Major Entrance And Recruitment Exams Cancelled Over Paper Leaks In The Last 10 Years

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 has once again brought India's examination system under scrutiny. The medical entrance exam, taken by more than 22 lakh students, was cancelled on May 12, 2026, after allegations of a paper leak surfaced from Rajasthan.

While the NEET controversy has become one of the biggest education scandals in recent years, it is not an isolated incident. Over the last decade, several national and state-level entrance and recruitment exams have either been cancelled, postponed, or re-conducted due to paper leaks, cheating scandals, and security failures.

These repeated incidents have affected millions of students and raised serious concerns over the credibility of competitive examinations in India.

NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation Sparks Nationwide Debate

The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled NEET-UG 2026 after investigative agencies reportedly found evidence suggesting that the integrity of the examination had been compromised.

The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) reportedly recovered a handwritten "suggestion paper" in which nearly 120 questions matched the original NEET question paper.

These included around:

• 90 Biology questions
• 30 Chemistry questions

Following the findings, the Centre ordered a CBI probe into the matter. The NTA also announced that the examination would be conducted again, while existing registrations would remain valid and no additional fee would be charged.

The cancellation has affected over 22 lakh aspirants across the country.

Major National-Level Exams Cancelled In The Last 10 Years

India has witnessed several major exam controversies over the past decade. Some of the biggest national-level examinations were either cancelled or re-conducted after reports of paper leaks and unfair practices.

NEET-UG 2026 - NTA

The entire examination was cancelled after leak allegations emerged from Rajasthan. The case is currently being investigated by the CBI and Rajasthan SOG.

UGC-NET 2024 - NTA

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) was cancelled just 24 hours after the exam was conducted. Authorities cited concerns over the "compromised integrity" of the examination process.

NEET-UG 2024 - NTA

The exam faced controversy over grace marks and irregularities. A re-exam was later conducted for 1,563 students.

CSIR-NET 2024 - NTA

The examination was postponed and initially cancelled due to what authorities described as "unavoidable circumstances," amid concerns over exam security.

CBSE Class 12 Economics Paper Leak 2018

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) ordered a re-exam after the Class 12 Economics paper was leaked on WhatsApp before the examination.

CBSE Class 10 Maths Leak 2018

The Class 10 Mathematics paper leak created nationwide panic. Although a re-exam was initially announced, it was later cancelled after internal review.

SSC CGL Tier-II 2017

The Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level examination faced allegations of mass cheating and paper leaks, leading to cancellation and protests by students across the country.

State-Level Recruitment Exams Hit Hard By Leaks

State-level recruitment and teaching examinations have also repeatedly faced paper leak scandals. Many of these exams involve lakhs of candidates competing for government jobs.

UP Police Constable Exam 2024

The Uttar Pradesh Police Constable recruitment exam was cancelled after allegations of leaked papers surfaced online. More than 48 lakh candidates were affected.

RO/ARO Exam 2024 - Uttar Pradesh

The Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer examination was cancelled after question papers were reportedly circulated on social media before the test.

Bihar Teacher Recruitment Exam (BPSC TRE 3.0) 2024

The Bihar Public Service Commission cancelled the teacher recruitment examination after authorities made more than 300 arrests linked to cheating and paper leaks.

HPPSC JOA (IT) Exam - Himachal Pradesh

Repeated leak allegations in recruitment exams led to a massive controversy, eventually resulting in the disbanding of the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission.

UKSSSC Graduate Level Exam 2022

The Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission exam was cancelled twice after investigators uncovered a "solver gang" using mobile phones to leak papers.

UPTET 2021

The Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test was cancelled while students were still inside examination centres after the paper leak was confirmed.

REET 2021 - Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers became one of the biggest recruitment controversies after papers were allegedly leaked from a secured "strong room."

How Exam Leaks Have Changed Over Time

Experts say the nature of paper leaks has changed significantly in recent years.
Earlier, leaks mainly involved physical theft of question papers. Today, technology and encrypted messaging apps have made the process more sophisticated.

Investigations have revealed the use of:

• Telegram and WhatsApp groups for paper circulation
• Bluetooth-enabled devices hidden inside clothing
• Fake candidates and solver gangs
• Organised networks involving middlemen

According to multiple reports and data trackers, more than 1.5 crore candidates have been affected by at least 48 major paper leak cases across 16 states since 2019.

Government Tightens Laws Against Paper Leaks

To tackle growing exam fraud, the Government of India introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act in February 2024.

Under the new law:

• Paper leaks have become a non-bailable offence
• The accused can face up to 10 years in jail
• Heavy financial penalties can also be imposed

The law aims to strengthen accountability and prevent organised cheating in public examinations.

Trust In Examination System Under Pressure

Repeated cancellations and leaks have deeply affected students, many of whom spend years preparing for competitive exams. Experts believe that unless authorities improve digital security, monitoring systems, and coordination between agencies, such incidents may continue to damage trust in the examination process.

The NEET-UG 2026 controversy has now become a reminder of the urgent need for stronger reforms to protect the future of millions of aspirants across India.