NEET 2026 Paper Leak Allegations: Probe, Political Row Erupt

Allegations of irregularities surrounding the NEET UG 2026 examination have surfaced, with a 'guess paper' reportedly containing a significant number of questions that also appeared in the actual exam. The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) is investigating these claims, having found a document with approximately 410 questions, of which about 120 from the Biology and Chemistry sections allegedly matched the NEET paper. The SOG has detained thirteen suspects from Dehradun, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu in connection with the case, and is exploring potential links to organized crime and a multi-state network. According to investigators, this 'guess paper' might have been circulating among aspirants for up to a month before the examination, with prices reportedly ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹5 lakh. The origin of the question bank is believed to be a medical student from Churu studying in Kerala, who allegedly passed it to an associate, subsequently leading to wider circulation through paying guest facilities and coaching networks. These materials were reportedly shared via WhatsApp and photocopies. In response to the developing situation, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has stated that it received inputs regarding alleged malpractice on May 7, four days after the examination, and escalated these to central agencies on May 8 for independent verification. The NTA has maintained that the NEET UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, was held under a 'full security protocol'. The agency detailed the security measures implemented, including GPS-tracked transportation of question papers with unique watermark identifiers, AI-assisted CCTV monitoring of examination halls from a central control room, biometric verification of all candidates, and the deployment of 5G jammers at examination centers. The NTA has urged candidates to avoid rumours and allow the investigating agencies to complete their work, assuring that any necessary steps will be taken in consultation with the Ministry of Education. The agency has also emphasized that it is cooperating fully with the investigating agencies, providing all examination-related data and technical assistance. The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi alleged that the NEET exam has become an 'auction' and criticized the government for failing to protect the future of students, citing claims of numerous paper leaks and re-examinations over the past decade. He stated that over 22 lakh students were affected and that their dreams were compromised. Similar concerns were echoed by other Congress leaders. While the Rajasthan SOG and the NTA have not officially used the term 'paper leak,' describing the circulated material as a 'guess paper' and the issue as 'alleged irregularities' or 'malpractice,' the investigation is focused on determining if cheating or criminal activity occurred. The probe is also examining the possibility of whether the document was an unusually accurate guess paper or indicative of an actual leak. This incident follows the NEET UG 2024 scandal, which also led to widespread protests and investigations, raising further questions about the integrity of high-stakes competitive examinations in India. The NTA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair and credible examinations and is working closely with all investigating agencies.

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