NEET Re-Test Fallout: 11 Reported Suicides Amid Paper Leak Controversy - Video

Ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-test scheduled for June 21, reports from across the country have highlighted the tragic deaths of at least 11 aspirants by suicide during the 46-day period between the cancellation of the original examination and the scheduled re-examination. While investigations are still underway and authorities have not officially linked many of these deaths directly to the exam cancellation, police records, family members, suicide notes and media reports repeatedly point to intense academic pressure, uncertainty and emotional distress.

The reported cases have emerged from Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat. Several students had reportedly performed well in the May 3 examination and were preparing for medical admissions before the paper leak controversy forced the test to be cancelled, according to an HT report.

Many families said the unexpected re-examination left students anxious about reproducing their earlier performance. Some suicide notes expressed feelings of failure, guilt and perceived incompetence, while others apologised to parents or referred to shattered expectations. In a few cases, police recovered no suicide note and are still investigating the reasons behind the deaths. With over 2.27 million candidates set to reappear for the examination, the incidents have reignited concerns over the psychological burden associated with high-stakes competitive exams and the need for stronger mental health support for students preparing for such tests.