Medical Study India | Trusted Guidance for Medical Aspirants
Medical Study India | Trusted Guidance for Medical Aspirants
For the past two years, Manas Sharma's life revolved around one goal - cracking the tough exam that would get him admission to a medical college in India so he could become a doctor.
But the exam - the National Eligibility Entrance Test (Undergraduate), known as NEET-UG - has been at the centre of a controversy this year following allegations that the question paper was leaked.
On Tuesday, the federal government's National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam, cancelled the test that took place on 3 May because of an investigation into the allegations.
The agency also said that a new date for a retest would be announced next week.
"It just left me shocked," says Sharma, who sat the exam on 3 May.
"Since October, I have been studying 12 hours a day - not watching films or even hanging out with friends. That's what it takes to get into a good medical college," Delhi-based Sharma said.
He was expecting to score 615 marks out of 720 - an assessment that he said was based on unofficial answer keys released by private coaching centres after the exam.
A score like that, he said, could have gotten him admission in one of the top medical colleges in India.
NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3 in a single shift from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm for over 22.79 lakh candidates.
Students appearing for NEET-UG 2026 on May 3.Credit: DH file photo
Fresh allegations of irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 examination have surfaced, with the Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) launching an investigation into claims that question sets resembling the actual paper were circulated before the exam.
The development comes just days after NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3 for over 22.79 lakh candidates across India and abroad, once again placing the country’s largest medical entrance examination under intense scrutiny.
Responding to the controversy, the National Testing Agency (NTA) issued a detailed clarification on social media, stressing that the examination was conducted “under a full security protocol” and that the matter is now under investigation by law enforcement agencies.
What triggered the latest controversy?
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According to information shared by Rajasthan Police officials, investigators are probing alleged malpractice after certain question sets circulated before the examination reportedly showed similarities with the actual NEET-UG paper.
Officials involved in the probe stated that investigators recovered a document containing more than 400 questions that had allegedly been circulated days before the exam. Out of these, over 100 questions from Biology and Chemistry were said to bear “striking similarities” to those that eventually appeared in the examination.
As per reports, authorities have described the material as resembling a “guess paper” or coaching-style test series, though investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a larger organised network.
Searches and questioning have reportedly been carried out across multiple cities in Rajasthan as well as in Uttarakhand as part of the investigation.
What has NTA said?
In its official clarification, NTA stated that the exam held on May 3 was conducted as scheduled and under extensive monitoring systems.
“The examination on 3 May 2026 was conducted as scheduled and under a full security protocol,” the agency said.
NTA further stated that question papers were transported in “GPS-tracked vehicles bearing unique, traceable watermark identifiers”, while exam centres functioned under “AI-assisted CCTV monitoring from a central control room, with biometric verification of every candidate and 5G jammers in operation.”
The agency emphasised that the examination process itself “proceeded as planned across all centres on the day.”
Inputs received four days after exam
According to NTA, the agency only received information regarding the alleged malpractice on the night of May 7, four days after the examination had already concluded.
“On the late evening of 7 May 2026, four days after the examination, NTA received inputs concerning alleged malpractice activity around the examination,” the agency said.
It added that the matter was immediately escalated to central agencies on the morning of May 8 for “independent verification and necessary action.”
NTA also acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies in the ongoing probe, saying the detentions and action reported in recent days were the result of their “professional and timely work.”
The agency stated that it is cooperating fully by sharing “all examination-related data and technical assistance required.”
NTA says investigation is ongoing
The testing agency has maintained that the matter is still under investigation and that “the facts will be established by the agencies in due course,” NTA said.
Importantly, the agency also stated, “NTA will not pre-judge the inquiry, nor characterise its likely outcome.”
The clarification added that any further steps, if required, would be taken “in consultation with the Ministry of Education at the appropriate stage.”
Over 22 lakh students appeared this year
NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3 in a single shift from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm for over 22.79 lakh candidates. Out of these, around 13.32 lakh candidates were female, while approximately 9.46 lakh were male candidates.
The examination serves as the single gateway for admissions into undergraduate medical programmes across India.
Following the massive paper leak controversy and irregularities in 2024, NTA had introduced multiple additional security measures this year, including multi-stage biometric verification, AI-assisted CCTV surveillance, GPS tracking of question papers, 5G signal jammers at centres and central monitoring systems.
The agency had repeatedly described the 2026 examination as highly secure and “leak-proof”.
Heightened sensitivity around NEET-UG
The fresh allegations now carry heightened sensitivity this year because NEET-UG 2024 had also witnessed major controversy over alleged paper leaks and exam irregularities, leading to protests, court cases, and even investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Although the Supreme Court later ruled that there was no evidence of a “systemic breach” large enough to cancel the entire examination, the episode severely impacted public trust in national-level entrance examinations.
Allegations of a possible paper leak in NEET-UG 2026 have triggered fresh concern among students and parents after reports claimed that more than 100 questions from a circulating “guess paper” were strikingly similar to the actual exam.
According to reports, authorities in Rajasthan have begun investigating a suspected network linked to coaching centres and individuals who may have circulated question sets before the examination. The discovery of similarities between the exam paper and unofficial practice material has raised questions about possible malpractice.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET-UG exam, has acknowledged the allegations and stated that a detailed investigation is underway. The agency has also said that it is reviewing inputs received from different sources and coordinating with central security agencies to examine the matter thoroughly.
Officials have maintained that the integrity of the examination process is a top priority, and all necessary steps are being taken to verify whether any breach occurred in the conduct of the exam.
Meanwhile, the issue has sparked widespread concern on social media, with students expressing anxiety over the fairness of the exam. Several student groups have also called for transparency and a fair investigation into the matter.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
- MedicalStudyIndia
The National Testing Agency is cooperating with investigators after reports of irregularities in the NEET UG 2026 exam linked to Rajasthan SOG
NTA Says NEET-UG 2026 Conducted Under Strict Security, Cooperating With Probe Into Alleged Irregularities
The National Testing Agency is cooperating with investigators after reports of irregularities in the NEET UG 2026 exam linked to Rajasthan SOG.
NTA Affirms Security Measures Amid NEET 2026 Malpractice Investigation
NEET-UG 2026 Security And Allegations: National Testing Agency on Sunday said it is cooperating with investigating agencies after reports emerged of alleged irregularities linked to the Rajasthan Special Operations Group probe into the conduct of NEET (UG) 2026.
In an official statement, the NTA said the medical entrance examination held on May 3 was conducted "as scheduled and under a full security protocol," with several layers of monitoring and verification in place.
NEET-UG 2026 Security And Allegations: National Testing Agency on Sunday said it is cooperating with investigating agencies after reports emerged of alleged irregularities linked to the Rajasthan Special Operations Group probe into the conduct of NEET (UG) 2026.
In an official statement, the NTA said the medical entrance examination held on May 3 was conducted "as scheduled and under a full security protocol," with several layers of monitoring and verification in place.
According to the agency, question papers were transported in GPS-tracked vehicles carrying unique watermark identifiers, while examination centres were monitored through AI-assisted CCTV systems linked to a central control room. The NTA also said biometric verification of all candidates was carried out and 5G jammers were deployed during the examination.
The agency clarified that the examination process itself "proceeded as planned across all centres on the day."
The statement comes amid reports of action by the Rajasthan SOG in connection with suspected malpractice surrounding the examination. The NTA said it received inputs regarding alleged malpractice activity on the evening of May 7, four days after the examination was conducted.
"These inputs were escalated by NTA to central agencies on the morning of 8 May 2026 for independent verification and necessary action," the statement said.
The testing agency credited law enforcement authorities for the subsequent action and detentions reported in the media in recent days, describing them as the result of "professional and timely work."
The NTA added that it is working closely with investigating agencies by providing examination-related data and technical assistance required for the inquiry.
The agency said it would not "pre-judge the inquiry" or speculate on its outcome. It added that any findings requiring further action would be examined transparently and disclosed according to established procedures.
Addressing students and parents, the NTA said the integrity and efforts of the "very large majority of bona-fide aspirants" remain unquestioned.
"The effort and integrity of the very large majority of bona-fide aspirants is not in question, and will not be devalued," the statement said, while acknowledging the anxiety such reports may cause among candidates and families.
The agency also said any future steps, if required, would be taken in consultation with the Ministry of Education.
The NEET UG result 2026 is expected to be declared in mid-June 2026, based on previous trends and current updates. While the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not officially confirmed the exact date yet, results are usually announced within 40-45 days after the exam. Candidates are advised to visit the official website for the latest updates.
The NTA concluded the NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026. As per the previous year trends, the NEET 2026 result is likely to be announced between June 13 and June 15, 2026. Last year, the NEET 2025 result was announced on June 14. The result was declared within 41 days after the examination, and a similar timeline is expected this year as well.
How to Download
Visit the official NEET website: neet.nta.nic.in
Click on the "NEET UG 2026 Result/Scorecard" link.
Enter the application number and password/date of birth.
Submit the details.
Download and save the scorecard for future reference.
Provisional Answer Key
The provisional answer key for NEET UG 2026 has been released, bringing relief and excitement to lakhs of medical aspirants across the country. With the answer key now available, students can check their responses and get a rough idea of their scores even before the final result is announced. Along with the answer key, the agency has also released the recorded responses and question papers, allowing candidates to cross-check every detail carefully. The final answer key will be prepared after considering all objections, and the result will be declared based on it.
Counselling Process
After the declaration of the NEET 2026 result, qualified candidates will be eligible to participate in the counselling process for admission to undergraduate medical courses. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. The remaining 85% state quota counselling will be conducted separately by the respective state authorities. Candidates can apply for both AIQ and state quota counselling processes. However, they will be required to choose one seat during the final admission process.
NEET 2026 Result Date: Last year, the NEET 2025 result was announced on June 14 at approximately 2 PM. The result was declared within 41 days after exam.
NEET 2026 Result Date: Scorecards Expected In June; Check Past Trends Here
NEET 2026 Result Date: Last year, the NEET 2025 result was announced on June 14 at approximately 2 PM. The result was declared within 41 days after exam.
NEET 2026 Result Date: The scorecards are expected to be released in second week of June 2026.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) concluded the NEET UG 2026 exam on May 3, 2026, at 5 PM. After the completion of the examination, candidates are now waiting for the announcement of the NEET 2026 result date. Based on previous years' trends, the NEET UG 2026 result is expected to be declared in the second week of June 2026. However, the official result date and time have not yet been announced. Candidates are advised to visit the official website for the latest updates.
NEET 2026 Result Expected Date and Time
As per the previous year trends, the NEET 2026 result is likely to be announced between June 13 and June 15, 2026. The result is expected to be released around 2 PM. NTA may also share updates related to the result announcement on its official social media platform 'X'.
Last year, the NEET 2025 result was announced on June 14 at approximately 2 PM. The result was declared within 41 days after the examination, and a similar timeline is expected this year as well.
How to Download NEET 2026 Scorecard?
Visit the official NEET website at neet.nta.nic.in
Click on the "NEET UG 2026 Result/Scorecard" link
Enter the application number and password/date of birth
Submit the details
Download and save the scorecard for future reference
What After NEET 2026 Result?
After the declaration of the NEET 2026 result, qualified candidates will be eligible to participate in the counselling process for admission to undergraduate medical courses.
As soon as the NEET UG 2026 examination concluded, a major question regarding the cutoff emerged. There is palpable curiosity among students and parents to determine exactly how many marks will be required this time to secure admission into government medical colleges.
NEET UG Cutoff 2026: The country's largest medical entrance examination, NEET UG 2026, was conducted on a record scale this year on May 3rd, with lakhs of students participating. This time, out of approximately 22.80 lakh registered candidates, more than 22 lakh students actually appeared for the NEET UG 2026 exam. This translates to an attendance rate of over 96 percent. With such a massive number of students participating, the competition has intensified significantly compared to previous years. In terms of the difficulty level of the exam, students described it as easy and high-scoring. Now, with the examination concluded, the most pressing question revolves around the expected cutoff scores.
Students and parents are eager to find out the minimum marks required to secure admission to government medical colleges this year. Based on the opinions and insights provided by experts, it appears that the cutoff scores this year could be higher than those of previous years. Given this context, let us explore today what the expected cutoff for NEET 2026 might be.
How was the NEET 2026 paper this year?
Most students emerging from the examination hall described the paper as being of an "easy to moderate" difficulty level. The Biology section was considered particularly high-scoring, as the majority of the questions were based on the NCERT curriculum. However, the paper felt somewhat lengthy due to the inclusion of question types involving multiple statements and "match-the-column" formats. Conversely, the Physics section was perceived as the toughest; it featured a high number of numerical problems, leading to difficulties in time management for many students. The difficulty level of the Chemistry section ranged from easy to moderate. Experts opine that the paper was well-balanced and that students who had prepared thoroughly found it relatively easy to attempt.
Experts Reveal Estimated Cut-off Scores
Considering the difficulty level of the examination and the number of participating students, indications suggest that the cut-off scores are likely to rise this year. According to experts, candidates in the General Category may require a score of approximately 620 to 650 marks to secure an MBBS seat in a government medical college. Some experts have placed this range between 620 and 635, which is being considered a "safe score." Meanwhile, the cut-off for the OBC Category is estimated to hover around 590 to 630 marks. For the SC Category, the projection lies between 400 and 520 marks, while for the ST Category, it is estimated to range from 420 to 500 marks. Regarding the qualifying cut-off, it is likely to be at the 50th percentile-corresponding to a score range of approximately 686 to 144 marks-for the General and EWS categories. For the OBC, SC, and ST categories, this qualifying cut-off may fall at the 40th percentile, corresponding to a score range of approximately 143 to 113 marks.
Why Might the Cut-off Rise?
The primary reasons for the potential rise in cut-off scores this year include the relatively easier nature of the question paper and the massive number of participating students. With over 2.2 million students appearing for the exam, the level of competition has intensified significantly compared to previous years. Furthermore, improved preparation standards and access to coaching support are also expected to contribute to higher overall scores among students.
Counseling and the Subsequent Process
Eligibility for participation in the All India Quota counseling-conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee-will be determined solely based on the NEET UG scores. Additionally, individual states conduct their own separate counseling processes, through which admissions are granted to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and various other medical courses. Moreover, extensive use of technology was employed this time to ensure the absolute fairness and integrity of the examination. Live monitoring was conducted at several sensitive examination centers, and every activity was closely observed via CCTV surveillance. Concurrently, social media platforms were also monitored, leading to the shutdown of several channels involved in the illicit sale of fake question papers.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently confirmed record-breaking NEET-UG 2026 attendance across India. Over 97 per cent of registered candidates appeared for the entrance examination on Sunday. This turnout highlights the significant dedication and trust students place in the medical admission process. Consequently, the NTA successfully managed nearly 23 lakh aspirants nationwide under very strict security protocols. In addition, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the NTA headquarters to personally review all arrangements.
Specifically, the NTA reported a nationwide turnout of 96.92 per cent. This figure represents 22,05,035 candidates out of a total 22,75,011 registered applicants. Furthermore, the examination took place across 37 States and Union Territories simultaneously. This high participation rate suggests that the medical profession remains a top choice for Indian students. For those preparing to embark on their medical journey, exploring resources like the NEET-PG mock test can be highly beneficial for future clinical entrance readiness. Moreover, the NTA credited the smooth execution to elaborate planning and extensive administrative support.
To ensure fairness, the NTA deployed a massive workforce of invigilators and observers. They also appointed centre superintendents and city coordinators to maintain discipline. Similarly, district administrations and police authorities provided essential logistical support during the day. Because of these measures, the agency successfully conducted the test without major incidents. Subsequently, NEET-UG remains the primary gateway for admission to MBBS and BDS programmes in India. Once students qualify and move toward their foundation comprehensive training for new doctors, they set the stage for a successful medical career.
Q1: What was the exact turnout for the NEET-UG 2026 examination?
The NTA recorded a turnout of 96.92 per cent, with 22,05,035 candidates appearing out of 22,75,011 registered students.
Q2: Who visited the NTA headquarters to assess the examination readiness?
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the headquarters to review the on-ground readiness and arrangements for the test.
References
NEET 2026 cut off for admission to government MBBS colleges is expected to go 630+ and the NEET safe score for government colleges may range between 630 to 680. Check expected NEET cutoff 2026 for MBBS government colleges along with previous years cutoff rank for AIIMS MBBS and other colleges.
The NEET UG 2026 exam is over and candidates are now searching for the safe score or cutoff score required for admissions to MBBS government colleges. As per the question paper analysis and difficulty level (which was easy to moderate), the NEET 2026 cutoff may go high. The NEET cut off 2026 will be known after the release of results, which are expected in June 2026. Meanwhile, candidates can check here the NEET 2026 expected cut off for Government MBBS colleges.
Table of contents
It is known that the NEET cut off 2026 will be the highlights for MBBS course, followed by BDS, BAMS and others. Have a look at the NEET 2026 expected cut off for MBBS government colleges below-
| Medical Courses in Government Colleges | NEET 2026 Expected Cut off Scores |
|---|---|
| MBBS | 630+ |
| BDS | 520+ |
| BAMS | 480+ |
| BUMS | 450+ |
Which MBBS/ BDS College will you get based on your NEET 2026 Rank? Check last year's Institutes & Category-wise closing Rank.
Have a look at the chances of getting into MBBS government colleges with the given NEET marks range-
| NEET Marks Range | Chances of Getting Into MBBS Government College |
|---|---|
| 650 to 720 | Perfect Score for MBBS admissions |
| 620 to 650 | Safe Score for MBBS admissions |
| 590 to 620 | Strong chances |
| 550 to 590 | Likely |
| Below 550 | Rethink your choices |
Candidates must obtain the minimum NEET cut off scores 2026 to get eligible for counselling process. This NEET UG 2026 cutoff will be released along with the NEET results 2026. Till then, check below the NEET expected cutoff 2026 for General, SC, ST, OBC and PwD below-
| Category | Expected Cutoff for NEET 2026 |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS | 700 - 141 |
| OBC, SC, ST | 150 - 126 |
| UR/EWS-PwD | 150 - 116 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 130 - 121 |
The NEET UG 2026 examination concluded on May 3, with over 22 lakh aspirants competing for coveted seats in India’s premier medical institutions. As the National Testing Agency (NTA) prepares the official results, candidates are shifting their focus toward the qualifying marks required for All India Quota (AIQ) and state-level counseling.
With scores determining eligibility for MBBS, BDS, and specialized courses like BAMS and BVSc, understanding the shifting competitive landscape is vital for every medical aspirant
The 2026 cut-off trends indicate a highly competitive exam environment. While the official qualifying percentile will be released after the results, previous year patterns help estimate the expected score ranges.
| NEET UG 2026 Expected Cut-Off (Category-Wise) | ||
| Category | Percentile | Expected Marks |
| General (UR) / EWS | 50th Percentile | 720 – 138 |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th Percentile | 137 – 108 |
| UR-PwD | 45th Percentile | 137 – 122 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 40th Percentile | 121 – 108 |
Note: The qualifying marks only make candidates eligible for counselling. However, securing a seat in a government medical college usually requires a much higher score, often above 610+ for General category candidates under AIQ.
Also Read: NEET Cut Off 2026
Choosing the right institution is as critical as the exam itself. Based on the NIRF 2025 Rankings, these are the top-tier institutions leading medical education in India:
AIIMS, New Delhi: The gold standard for medical research and clinical practice.
PGIMER, Chandigarh: Renowned for its postgraduate excellence and high-end infrastructure.
Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore: A leader in private medical education and community health.
JIPMER, Puducherry: Offers world-class facilities and a unique academic culture.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi: Consistently ranked for its academic rigor and heritage.
King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow: A premier state-run institution with a massive clinical load.
Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal: Top-rated for its international standards and research.
The competition density has seen fluctuations over the last three years. This year’s turnout of 22 lakh candidates highlights the increasing demand for medical seats.
2024: ~13.15 lakh candidates qualified.
2025: ~22.09 lakh appeared; ~12.36 lakh qualified.
2026: Over 22 lakh candidates appeared; high difficulty levels in Physics/Chemistry may stabilize the cut-off compared to the 2024 "inflation" year.
The NEET UG score is no longer just a gateway to an MBBS degree. It is the mandatory entrance for several other high-demand healthcare streams:
BDS (Dental): Focuses on oral healthcare and surgery.
AYUSH Courses: Includes BAMS (Ayurveda), BHMS (Homeopathy), and BUMS (Unani).
BSc Nursing (MNS): Candidates seeking entry into the Military Nursing Service at Armed Forces Medical Service Hospitals are now screened via NEET scores.
BVSc & AH: For those looking to enter Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry.
Candidates should keep a close watch on the official NTA and MCC websites for the following milestones:
Provisional Answer Key: Usually released within 2–3 weeks of the exam.
Objection Window: A short period to challenge any discrepancies in the answer key.
Final Result & Rank List: Declared alongside the final answer key.
Counseling Registration: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles 15% AIQ seats, while state bodies handle the remaining 85%.
If your score falls within the expected qualifying range but below the government seat threshold, begin researching State Quota trends and reputable Private/Deemed Universities early. The gap between qualifying and securing a seat is wide—strategy during the counseling phase is just as important as the exam itsel