NEET-UG: Over 2.7 lakh candidates skipped re-test, highest absentee count ever
The NEET-UG medical entrance re-examination saw a record-high number of absentees, with over 2.7 lakh candidates skipping the test. This follows the cancellation of the original May 3 exam due to allegations of a paper leak.
Why it matters
The high absentee rate highlights significant student disillusionment and logistical challenges within India's high-stakes medical education entrance system.
Over 2.7 lakh fewer candidates appeared for the medical entrance NEET-UG re-examination than the original test conducted on May 3, according to official data.
The crucial exam conducted on May 3 was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 amid allegations of paper leak. The CBI is investigating the matter.
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For the re-examination, 19,99,895 candidates appeared compared to 22.05 lakh candidates who had taken the original NEET-UG examination.
The result for the high-stakes exam was announced on Thursday (July 16, 2026), with the National Testing Agency (NTA) announcing that 11.21 lakh candidates have qualified for the exam.
The result data shows that registrations remained almost unchanged from last year, but a significantly larger number of candidates skipped the re-examination.
NEET-UG 2026 | A collection of explainers and expert opinions
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