NEET UG Paper Leak: Mastermind Arrested From Jaipur, First Copy Of Leaked Question Paper Surfaced In Nashik

NEET UG Paper Leak: Investigating agencies now suspect a major racket in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, spanning from Maharashtra to Haryana. Earlier in the day, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026. The decision came after investigation agencies found that the integrity of the original examination process had been compromised. Investigation into the paper leak case has revealed that the first copy of the leaked question paper surfaced in Nashik.

According to jagran.com, a man identified as Manish was arrested from Jaipur on Tuesday. He is believed to be the mastermind behind the paper leak. The investigation revealed that Manish had obtained information about potential questions before the question paper was printed.

A joint investigation by the Rajasthan Special Investigation Group (SOG), central investigative agencies, and police from other states is underway. According to officials, the question paper was provided to some students before the exam under the guise of a "guess paper". This "guess paper" contained over 100 questions matching the actual NEET exam.

Paper Leak Network Active In Several States

According to preliminary information from investigating agencies, the paper leak network was active in several states. The investigation, which began in Rajasthan, has revealed connections to Nashik in Maharashtra, then Haryana and Uttarakhand.

It is suspected that the digital copy of the leaked question paper was first shared in Nashik. Based on this, investigating agencies have begun examining several mobile phones, laptops, and social media channels.

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Who All Are Involved In The Racket?

Coaching networks, brokers, and some technical experts are suspected to be behind this entire racket. Manish has been named as the main accused.

The investigation claims that the question paper was leaked through a PG student in Rajasthan, after which it was distributed across various states. Several suspects have been detained, and the search for the mastermind is ongoing.

Questions On Role Of NTA

Before the exam, the NTA had dismissed all rumours of paper leaks and declared the exam completely secure. However, now that a large number of questions have matched, serious questions are being raised about the NTA's functioning.

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refuses to take any questions from the media on the issue of NEET UG exam, which has been cancelled following allegations of paper leak and examination irregularities pic.twitter.com/DrNevVuRKn

— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026

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Anger Among Students Across India

This incident has sparked widespread outrage among millions of students. Students are questioning how the paper was leaked despite the tight security arrangements. Demands for a re-NEET have also intensified in many areas.