The cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination over alleged paper leak irregularities has triggered anger, anxiety and frustration among lakhs of medical aspirants across India.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday scrapped the exam held on May 3 and announced that a fresh test would be conducted on dates to be announced later. The Centre has also handed the investigation to the CBI.

Students from cities including Patna, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Dehradun said repeated controversies surrounding NEET were eroding trust in the examination system and placing immense mental pressure on candidates.

Many aspirants said they had spent months preparing through long study hours, coaching classes and personal sacrifices, only to face uncertainty again. Coaching faculty members also highlighted the emotional and financial burden on families, especially those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.

Around 23 lakh candidates had registered for NEET-UG 2026, conducted across 551 Indian cities and 14 international centres.