A tragic incident in Rajasthan has deepened the crisis surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 exam cancellation.
Pradeep Meghwal, a medical aspirant from Jhunjhunu district, allegedly died by suicide in Sikar, where he had been preparing for the exam. His family said he was expecting around 650 marks and was confident of securing a government medical seat.
Police reported that Pradeep hanged himself from a ceiling fan using his sister’s scarf while one sister was at coaching classes and another was in the bathroom. His elder sister discovered him and alerted the landlord and the police. He was rushed to SK Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Pradeep had appeared for the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, which was later cancelled following allegations of irregularities and a paper leak. His father, Rajesh Kumar Meghwal, said the uncertainty after the cancellation left his son deeply distressed.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced that the re-exam will be held on June 21, while Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed that NEET will shift to a computer-based format from next year.
Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot expressed grief, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and urging authorities to address the anxiety among aspirants. Similar suicides have been reported from Goa, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the emotional toll of the exam controversy.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
