NEET 2026 paper leak: Preliminary probe finds nearly 600 marks matched
Preliminary probes show the NEET 2026 paper leak involved a handwritten question set that matched nearly 600 marks out of 720 in the actual exam. The document, which reportedly surfaced in Sikar district almost two days before the test, has prompted a multi-agency investigation.
NEET 2026 paper leak: what investigators found
Investigators say they located more than 300 handwritten questions covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with at least 140 of those questions directly appearing in the final examination. Police and Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) teams are tracing how the material moved from hostels and coaching centres into wider circulation.
Officials reported that leaked copies were initially sold for INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 , with the price falling to about INR 30,000 a day before the exam as the file spread. Police suspect distribution over WhatsApp and other social media platforms , and are now mapping message chains and financial transactions.
NEET 2026 paper leak: suspects, timelines and probes
A key suspect identified by investigators is an MBBS student from Jharkhand who is studying at a medical college in Kerala. Authorities say he allegedly shared the material with a friend on May 1, 2026 , after which it spread through PG hostels, coaching centres and education networks.
Rajasthan SOG formed Special Investigation Teams to probe the document's origin and possible links to coaching institutes and educational consultants. The probe includes examining payment records and communication logs to identify sellers and middlemen.
NTA response and immediate student impact
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has acknowledged SOG action and said it is awaiting the final SOG report before deciding on further steps. NTA officials reiterated that exam protocols remain in place and warned against unverified claims on social media.
Student organisations and parents have demanded cancellation of NEET 2026 if the leak is confirmed. Officials have warned legal action against those spreading false information, while investigators continue to verify the full extent of the leaked material.
This controversy has revived memories of NEET 2024 disputes and raised fresh questions on exam security. Authorities say any decision on results, rankings or re-exams will follow completion of the investigation and verification of evidence.
What officials say next
Rajasthan SOG and local police continue to collect evidence; NTA will act on the formal report. Students should follow official NTA updates and avoid sharing unverified material that could hinder the probe.