NEET 2026 Controversy: The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) UG-2026 has been hit by a major controversy following allegations of a paper leak in Rajasthan. Investigators from the Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) have uncovered a handwritten "guess paper" that reportedly circulated two days before the May 3 examination. According to probe sources, this document contained approximately 140 questions that matched the actual exam paper exactly, accounting for nearly 600 out of the total 720 marks.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the medical entrance test, acknowledged the ongoing investigation on May 10. While the agency stated it is aware of the "alleged irregularities" and malpractice reports, it has maintained that it is waiting for the final findings from the SOG before taking further action. The NTA has promised a transparent examination of any findings that may require a rethink of the examination results or procedures.
The Sikar Connection and the "Forwarded" Questionnaire
Investigators have traced the origin of the suspicious document to Sikar, a major coaching hub in Rajasthan. The questionnaire reportedly began circulating on May 1 and was sold to desperate aspirants for prices ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakh. As the exam drew closer, the price allegedly dropped to around Rs 30,000.
Mobile phone recoveries have shown that the material carried the "forwarded many times" tag on encrypted messaging platforms, suggesting that the reach of the leaked content was extensive among students staying in PG accommodations and coaching centers.
Kerala Link and Investigation into the Source:
The SOG has identified a primary suspect: a Churu-based MBBS student currently enrolled in a medical college in Kerala. He allegedly shared the handwritten material, spanning physics, chemistry, and biology, with a friend in Sikar.
The handwriting across all 300+ questions in the document appears identical. Authorities are now trying to determine if this was a case of an "unusually accurate" prediction by experts or a coordinated criminal effort to compromise the integrity of the national exam.
Impact on Rankings and Memories of 2024:
If the leak is proven, the impact on national rankings and admissions could be catastrophic. Since each NEET question is worth four marks, a 600-mark overlap would unfairly benefit those who accessed the document. This situation has revived painful memories of the 2024 NEET controversy, which saw nationwide protests over inflated marks and leaks.
While the Supreme Court previously declined a full re-test, it had warned of lapses in NTA’s conduct. All eyes are now on the Rajasthan SOG to determine the scale of this network and whether a re-examination will be necessary.