With just three days left to retake the NEET-UG 2026 exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday issued an advisory urging students to remain calm, ignore rumors about exam postponement and seek help if they are experiencing stress.
In a letter addressed to candidates, the agency said that the exam will be conducted on time and advised students to rely only on official communications.
“We are just three days away from NEET UG 2026. To every candidate: You have worked hard, you have prepared, and now is the time to have confidence in your efforts. Stay calm, rest well, and focus on doing your best. This is all that is asked of you,” NTA said.
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“The examination will be conducted on time. Please do not be swayed by rumors of postponement or hype on social media. Rely only on official communications from NTA,” she added.
The agency said that extensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure “safe and fair screening” in coordination with ministries, state governments and security agencies.
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“We want to assure you that extensive arrangements are in place for a safe, secure and fair examination, in close coordination with relevant ministries, state governments and security agencies. The integrity of this process is our top priority, and strong, multi-layered safeguards have been put in place.”
The NTA also warned that any attempt at misconduct would be dealt with firmly and reiterated that the decision to cancel the original May 3 examination had been taken in the interest of the students.
Access to Telegram is restricted
In a bid to prevent cheating and spread of misinformation ahead of NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the Center has temporarily restricted access to messaging platform Telegram across India till June 22.
The move, taken on the recommendation of the NTA, aims to disrupt organized fraud networks that are allegedly using the platform to distribute fake question papers, cheat candidates and spread misleading claims regarding paper leaks.
Deaths of aspirants, mounting pressure
The advisory comes amid growing concern about the mental health of NEET aspirants after the original test was canceled due to an alleged paper leak and a nationwide retest was announced on June 21.
Several aspirants allegedly died by suicide in the days following the examination’s cancellation, affecting more than 22,000 candidates.
They included a 21-year-old student from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, and a 20-year-old woman from Adarsh Nagar in Delhi, whose families linked their emotional distress to the uncertainty surrounding the exam.
In Rajasthan, an aspirant who had been preparing for NEET for three years allegedly died by suicide after the exam was cancelled. His family said they expected him to score around 650. The student from Lakhimpur Kheri was attempting the exam for the third time and was said to be confident of clearing it, while the aspirant from Delhi narrowly missed out on qualifying in a previous attempt and was hoping to get admission this year, according to family members.
In a separate incident, an 18-year-old student from Kalaburagi district in Karnataka allegedly died by suicide days after appearing for an exam that was later cancelled. Her father said she had scored 92% in her pre-university exams and had done well in the NEET, but she was probably worried about having to take the test again.
The NTA urged students not to suffer in silence and highlighted the availability of the MANAS mental health helpline for those experiencing stress or anxiety before re-testing.
“If the stress is severe, please know that you are not alone. The MANAS mental health helpline (14416) is available, and support is there for anyone who needs it. Communication is a sign of strength,” the agency said.
The NTA also appealed to parents, teachers and the wider community to help reduce anxiety among candidates by avoiding the circulation of unverified information and rumours.
“A humble request to parents, teachers and the wider community: Please help us keep our students calm. Avoid sharing unverified information. Let them enter the exam with stable and untroubled minds,” the letter read.
The re-test is scheduled to be held on June 21 after the original NEET-UG 2026 exam was canceled following allegations of paper leakage.
(With agency inputs)
