Gandhinagar, May 12 (IANS) Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Tuesday said that the decision to cancel the NEET-UG examination was taken in the interest of maintaining transparency after irregularities were detected.

He further added that the matter has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive probe.

Speaking on the issue, Pansheriya said the examination, conducted by central authorities with the trust of lakhs of students, was compromised after inputs of malpractice were received and verified through investigation.

He said, “When these agencies conduct the exam with the trust of students, they receive information that there has been some irregularity. When an investigation was carried out, it was found that this is a very difficult situation at present. Students and parents also feel a sense of sadness. But if the exam had continued, those involved in such wrongful activities would have benefited.”

Describing the alleged leak as a serious offence, he added, “This is a serious and heinous act. Important questions of the examination were leaked, which is completely unacceptable. Strict action will definitely be taken through a CBI investigation.”

Pansheriya further stated that the National Testing Agency (NTA) would re-conduct the examination and that candidates would not be required to register again or pay any fresh fees.

He emphasised that the revised schedule would be announced shortly and assured that the government stood with students during the uncertainty.

“In the next examination, there will be no need for re-registration or fresh fees. A new timetable will be issued soon. We are with all students and support them in building their careers,” he said.

According to official statements and investigative inputs, the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 was cancelled after agencies flagged possible question paper leaks and irregularities.

The government subsequently ordered a CBI inquiry into the matter to ensure a detailed investigation into the alleged breach of examination integrity.

Reports indicate that the alleged leak involved similarities between portions of the exam paper and pre-circulated “guess papers”, triggering concerns over the fairness of the process.

The NTA, in coordination with central agencies, concluded that the examination could not be allowed to stand and announced a re-test for all candidates.

Authorities have stated that no fresh applications will be required for the re-examination, and further details of the revised schedule will be announced after the ongoing investigation progresses.

–IANS

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