The NEET UG 2026 examination is facing serious allegations of a possible paper leak after investigators found a handwritten “guess paper” that reportedly matched a large portion of the actual exam.
According to the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG), a handwritten question bank containing around 281 questions was circulated before the exam. Shockingly, about 135 of these questions are said to have appeared in the NEET paper conducted on May 3.
Officials claim that all 90 Biology questions and all 45 Chemistry questions matched the leaked material, raising concerns over the credibility of the exam.
“600 Marks of Questions Already Circulated”: Investigators Claim Big Overlap
Investigators have further revealed that the question bank allegedly covered material worth nearly 600 marks out of the total 720 marks in the exam.
A source linked to the probe said, “The so-called guess paper started circulating in Sikar on May 1. By the night before the exam, it was being sold widely among students for thousands of rupees.”
Reports suggest that the document was first shared by a medical student from Churu, who was studying MBBS in Kerala, and later passed it to contacts in Rajasthan, triggering a wider circulation network.
NEET UG 2026 Leak Probe Expands Across States
The Rajasthan SOG has detained 13 suspects from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Sikar and Jhunjhunu, including coaching-linked individuals and a PG operator.
Officials are now investigating whether the material was just a highly accurate prediction paper or part of an organized leak network. Digital evidence, WhatsApp chats, and social media forwards are also under scrutiny.
One investigator said, “We are examining whether this was a coincidence or a planned operation involving multiple people.”
National Testing Agency Responds to Allegations
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the exam, has said it is aware of the allegations and is cooperating with investigating agencies.
In its statement, the NTA said, “The examination was conducted as scheduled under strict security protocols, including GPS-tracked paper transport, AI-based CCTV monitoring, biometric verification, and deployment of 5G jammers.”
The agency added that it received inputs about alleged malpractice after the exam and forwarded the matter to central agencies for verification.
“We will not pre-judge the inquiry. Any findings requiring action will be examined transparently,” the NTA said.
Investigation Focus: Sikar and Kerala Connection
Preliminary findings suggest that the leak network may have links between Sikar in Rajasthan and Kerala. Investigators claim that the original document was shared by a student studying in Kerala, who sent it to a friend in Sikar through WhatsApp.
From there, it reportedly spread through coaching centres, PG accommodations, and online groups. Some copies were allegedly sold for prices ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹2 lakh before the exam.
Concerns Over Exam Integrity and Fairness
The controversy has triggered widespread concern among students and parents, with questions being raised about the fairness of one of India’s most competitive entrance exams.
Experts say that such a large overlap between pre-circulated material and the final exam is highly unusual and requires a detailed forensic investigation.
Anti-Paper Leak Law Under Spotlight
The case has also brought attention to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which was introduced to prevent cheating and paper leaks in national exams.
Under the law, offenders can face 3 to 10 years in jail and heavy fines, while institutions involved may face suspension and financial penalties.
What Happens Next
The SOG is continuing its investigation to trace the origin of the handwritten question bank and identify whether an organized racket was involved. The NTA has said it will act only after the final report from law enforcement agencies.
