Archive · 22 Jul 2026
NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Topper Chooses Study Over Protests
Panshul Bansal, who got the second-highest rank in the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam, chose to study instead of joining protests after the original exam was cancelled due to a paper leak.
He scored 715 marks in the re-exam, improving from his original score of 706.
While many students protested, Bansal focused on his studies and improved his performance.
The re-exam was held on June 21, and results were announced on July 16.
Over 20 lakh students took the exam, with more than 11 lakh qualifying.
Women made up more than 58% of the qualified candidates.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated Bansal on his achievement.
Panshul Bansal secured AIR 2 in the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam with 715 marks.
He chose to study instead of joining protests after the original exam was cancelled due to a paper leak.
The original exam was held on May 3 and cancelled on May 12 due to allegations of a question paper leak.
The re-exam was conducted on June 21 under heightened security, with results declared on July 16.
Over 20 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, with more than 11 lakh qualifying.
- Who
- Panshul Bansal, a student of KR Mangalam World School, New Delhi
- What
- NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and protests over the paper leak
- When
- Original exam on May 3, re-exam on June 21, results on July 16, 2026
- Where
- India and 14 international locations
- Why
- The original exam was cancelled due to allegations of a question paper leak.
Protest Participation
Focused Study
Response to Exam Cancellation
Protest Participation
Students protested to demand answers and justice for the paper leak.
Focused Study
Panshul Bansal chose to study and improve his score instead of protesting.
- Original Exam Date
- May 3, 2026
- Re-Exam Date
- June 21, 2026
- Results Declared
- July 16, 2026
- Total Candidates
- 20 lakh
- Qualified Candidates
- 11.21 lakh
- Panshul Bansal's AIR
- 2
- Panshul Bansal's Score
- 715
- Panshul Bansal's Original Score
- 706