NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Rajasthan Paper Leak, CBI Takes Over; 23 Lakh Students Affected

CBI to investigate nationwide cheating network as handwritten 'question bank' with 150 matching questions surfaces days before the 3 May exam

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on 3 May, citing a serious breach of credibility following a paper leak traced to Rajasthan. The decision, approved by the Government of India, affects nearly 23 lakh students who appeared for the medical entrance test.

The cancellation came after investigators uncovered a handwritten "guess paper" that reportedly reached students in Sikar and Jaipur as early as 1 May — two full days before the exam was conducted.

CBI Brings In

The Ministry of Education has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which will now probe the alleged cheating network across multiple states. NTA officials confirmed full cooperation, adding that all records, response sheets, and digital trail logs will be shared with the central agency.

Sources familiar with the probe said the CBI is likely to summon at least 15 detained suspects currently in custody of Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG). Among them is Manish from Jaipur, described by officials as the alleged mastermind.

150 Questions Matched Word for Word

Investigators have recovered a handwritten "question bank" containing over 300 questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — all in the same handwriting. Of these, 150 questions matched the actual NEET paper verbatim, according to preliminary findings shared by state police.

Questions worth nearly 600 out of the total 720 marks had allegedly reached some students in Sikar before the examination, sources said.

The alleged trail begins with an MBBS student from Kerala who reportedly sent the material to a friend in Sikar on 1 May. From there, it reached a PG accommodation operator, who shared it with students staying at his facility.

Students Questioned, Money Trail Being Tracked

Several students have been detained for questioning. Some have reportedly admitted to financial transactions linked to the leak, officials said. Investigators are now tracking bank transfers and digital payment records.

No official estimate has been released on how many students may have accessed the leaked material. However, the NTA stated that the breach was widespread enough to undermine the examination's integrity nationwide.

No Fresh Registration, Fees to Be Refunded

In a statement issued late Tuesday evening, the NTA clarified that students do not need to register again for the re-examination. Candidature, registration details, and allotted exam centres will remain valid.

"No additional fee will be charged. The fees already paid by candidates will be refunded," the agency said. Fresh exam dates and admit cards will be announced through official channels in the coming days. Parents have been advised to ignore unverified claims circulating on social media.

2024 Haunts Again

The controversy echoes the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, which surfaced in Patna and Hazaribagh. While the Supreme Court refused to cancel the entire exam that year, it ordered a re-test for 1,539 candidates. The 2024 cycle was also marked by 67 students scoring a perfect 720 — an unusually high number — and multiple toppers emerging from a single centre, raising further questions.

Between 2019 and 2024, the NTA has faced repeated allegations of mismanagement, from multiple correct answers in answer keys to impersonation cases in JEE Mains and discrepancies in OMR sheet scoring.

What Next for Aspirants?

For the 23 lakh students who had prepared for months, the cancellation is a gut punch. Many had already begun counselling processes based on their response sheets.

"We understand the disappointment, but the decision was necessary to protect the credibility of the national examination system," the NTA said. Fresh dates are expected within two weeks.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman to grace finale of Youth MLA Conclave in Bhopal

The two-day inter-state summit featuring young legislators from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan concludes today with high-level sessions on parliamentary ethics.

The Madhya Pradesh capital is hosting the final leg of a significant legislative gathering as the ‘Youth MLA Conclave’ draws to a close today. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is set to attend the valedictory session as the chief guest, marking a high point for the three-state assembly.

The summit, which brought together nearly 50 young lawmakers from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, aims to bridge the gap between grassroots leadership and parliamentary excellence. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh is also scheduled to participate in the deliberations today, adding further constitutional weight to the proceedings.

High-profile closing scheduled

The final session serves as a platform for veteran parliamentarians to mentor first-time and younger legislators. Sources indicated that the discussions today will focus on the nuances of legislative procedures and maintaining the dignity of the House. Following the formal conclusion of the event in the afternoon, the visiting delegates are slated to travel to Ujjain to offer prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Focus on political discipline

The conclave was inaugurated on Monday by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, alongside MP Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar and Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani. Addressing the gathering, CM Yadav emphasized that humility remains the most potent tool for a public representative. He urged the young leaders to identify both the strengths and systemic weaknesses of their respective constituencies to serve effectively.

Vision for Amrit Kaal

Dr. Yadav further noted that the conduct of young legislators is under global scrutiny as India marches toward the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of 2047. According to officials, the CM stressed that “discipline and decorum” are non-negotiable in public life. He encouraged the MLAs to look beyond immediate electoral gains and focus on long-term nation-building, reflecting a vision for a developed India.

Demand for student polls

The event also saw spirited contributions from the opposition. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar sparked a debate by advocating for the resumption of student union elections. Singhar argued that leadership qualities are forged in the fires of college-level activism. He maintained that the roots of democracy are strengthened only when the youth are given a platform to challenge the system within educational frameworks.

Cross-state legislative synergy

The presence of Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani and Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya highlighted the collaborative nature of the summit. This inter-state exchange is seen as a move to synchronize developmental goals across the Hindi heartland. The young MLAs were treated to traditional folk performances on the opening day, showcasing the shared cultural heritage of the three participating states.

Strengthening democratic roots

Legislative experts believe such conclaves are vital for the evolution of the Indian parliamentary system. By bringing together leaders from different states, the summit facilitates an exchange of best practices regarding policy implementation and public grievance redressal. The emphasis on "politics with a purpose" remained a recurring theme throughout the various technical sessions held at the MP Assembly premises.

Future roadmap for youth

As the conclave wraps up, the focus shifts to how these young leaders will implement the learnings in their home constituencies. The state government views this as a successful pilot in regional cooperation. With the insights gained from veterans like Harivansh and Raman Singh, these legislators are expected to bring a more refined, fact-driven approach to their respective state assemblies during the upcoming budget sessions.

Supreme Court Revisits Aravalli Hills Definition, Stays Its Own Order

The long‑standing dispute over the Aravalli Hills took a fresh turn as the Supreme Court of India on December 29, 2025, halted the implementation of its earlier order that had redefined the range’s boundaries.

The apex court decided to take suo motu cognizance of potential consequences arising from its November 20, 2025 ruling, which had fixed specific parameters for identifying the Aravalli range.

A new bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, and Justice A.G. Masih reviewed the matter, emphasizing the ecological sensitivity of the region spread across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi NCR.

Court Questions Previous Parameters and Raises Environmental Concerns

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the government. The bench questioned whether the previous definition—classifying only hills above 100 meters in height and within 500 meters of each other as part of the Aravallis—could lead to exclusion of critical ecosystems from protection.

The Chief Justice asked whether such a narrow interpretation could allow areas vulnerable to illegal mining to fall outside the conservation corridor. “If the distance between two ridges is 700 meters but both are vital to the landscape, can we simply say they are not part of Aravalli?” questioned the bench.

Expert Committee to Be Formed

Acknowledging these ecological and legal complexities, the Supreme Court announced the formation of an expert committee comprising specialists from environmental science, geology, and policy fields. This body will reassess the contours and criteria that define the Aravalli range.

The bench clarified that until the committee submits its report, the November 2025 definition will remain stayed, and no new guidelines will be implemented. The next hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2026, where fresh recommendations will be discussed before framing a uniform interpretation.

Mining and Environmental Impact Under Scrutiny

Recent reports highlight the persistent issue of illegal mining across Aravalli regions. Between 2018 and 2025, over 71,000 illegal mining cases were registered in Rajasthan alone, with more than 4,000 FIRs from Aravalli districts. These figures underline ongoing challenges despite existing restrictions.

The court’s latest intervention rekindles the debate over balancing development and conservation in one of India’s oldest mountain ranges. The government has also stated that while new mining leases remain suspended, all active ones must strictly adhere to environmental norms until further direction from the court.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court’s decision brings momentary relief for environmental advocates while setting a precedent for nuanced judicial review. The upcoming hearing in January 2026 will likely shape the future of mining regulations and eco‑protection measures across Aravalli states.

As the matter stands, the Aravalli Hills remain at the center of India’s sustainability conversation—reflecting the delicate balance between industrial progress and natural preservation.

A recent Supreme Court order defining what constitutes the Aravalli mountain range has sparked a fierce environmental and political debate across northern India.

Environmentalists warn that the ruling could expose over 90% of the ecologically fragile hills to unchecked mining, while the government insists it's a necessary step for clear conservation.

The Core of the Controversy: A New Definition

For decades, the lack of a uniform legal definition of the "Aravalli range" across states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi has hampered conservation efforts.

On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court approved a high-level committee's recommendation, setting a new benchmark:

The 100-Meter Rule: Only landforms with a height of 100 meters or more will be legally classified as "Aravalli hills."

The 500-Meter Buffer: If two such hills are within 500 meters of each other, the entire intervening area is considered part of the protected Aravalli range.

Mining Restrictions: The court endorsed the committee's view that no new mining leases should be granted except for certain critical, strategic, or atomic minerals.

Why Environmentalists Are Raising the Alarm

The panic stems from data suggesting a vast majority of the Aravallis are short hills. A reported internal assessment by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) indicated that in Rajasthan, only about 8% of over 1,200 identified hills meet the 100-meter threshold.

Activists argue that reducing protection based solely on height ignores the range's crucial ecological role:

Climate Shield: It acts as a natural barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of Delhi-NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Water Recharger: Its rocky terrain helps absorb rainwater, replenishing the groundwater aquifers that supply millions.

Biodiversity Hotspot: It hosts diverse wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and over 200 bird species.

Government's Rebuttal: "A Definition, Not an Invitation"

Facing public outcry and protests in Rajasthan, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav held a press conference on December 22 to clarify the government's stance. He labeled the fears as "misleading propaganda."

Key government assurances include:

No Mining in NCR: Minister Yadav explicitly stated that mining remains completely prohibited in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes parts of the Aravallis.

Protected Areas Safe: All existing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves (like Sariska and Ranthambore), and forest areas continue to enjoy full legal protection.

 Aim is Clarity: The government argues that a clear, map-based definition using Survey of India data will actually curb illegal mining and land encroachment by removing ambiguity.

The Road Ahead: Vigilance and Transparency

The ultimate impact of the Supreme Court's order hinges on its on-ground implementation. Experts are calling for:

Public Mapping: The release of all cadastral maps defining the new boundaries for public scrutiny.

Independent Monitoring: Strong oversight mechanisms to ensure the promised restrictions on new mining leases are enforced.

Holistic Review: Future policies must consider the region's hydrology and biodiversity, not just topographical height.

This controversy highlights India's persistent challenge in balancing ecological preservation with developmental pressures.

The fate of the ancient Aravallis now depends on rigorous enforcement and unwavering political will.