NEET 2026 Paper Leak: The investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-2026 examination has gained significant momentum. While the Special Operations Group (SOG) has intensified its crackdown, no official First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the matter so far.
The probe has expanded rapidly, with the SOG questioning over a dozen suspects across various locations. According to high-placed sources, the investigation is currently revolving around two primary suspects: Manish from Jaipur and Rakesh from Sikar. Authorities believe these two individuals played a central role in the distribution of the controversial “guess paper.”
Multi-State Network Suspected
Preliminary findings from the SOG suggest that this is not an isolated incident confined to Rajasthan. The investigative agency has found indications that the network’s tentacles may extend to several other states, pointing toward an organized interstate syndicate specializing in academic fraud.
The investigation is also scrutinizing the role of printing presses. Intelligence agencies suspect that employees or insiders within the printing facilities may have been involved in preparing and leaking the paper. Efforts are currently underway to trace the origin of the document and identify the first set of recipients who accessed the leaked material.
The “125 Questions” Controversy
The controversy erupted following claims that a “guess paper” was circulated among students just a day before the NEET-2026 exam. Shockingly, data suggests that approximately 125 out of 180 questions in the actual exam were identical to those found in the leaked document.
This high degree of similarity has sparked outrage among the student community, leading to widespread allegations of a systemic breach. In response, the SOG and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have conducted extensive searches at hostels and coaching institutes, particularly in Sikar, to recover digital evidence.
Digital Evidence and Institutional Response
Investigators are currently scanning mobile phones, WhatsApp chat records, and other digital footprints of several students. The goal is to determine whether the similarity in questions was a statistical coincidence or part of a calculated racketeering operation.
Despite the mounting evidence, the local coordinator for the National Testing Agency (NTA) has maintained that the examination was conducted peacefully and has denied any official knowledge of a breach. However, reports indicate that students had initially approached the Udyog Nagar police station in Sikar with complaints on the day of the exam, which were allegedly not prioritized at the time.
Political Outcry Over Student Futures
The alleged leak has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his concern for the 2.2 million candidates who appeared for the exam. He described the situation as a “sale” of the students’ future, alleging that questions were being sold on WhatsApp 42 hours before the commencement of the test.
The SOG is currently compiling all gathered evidence and statements. These findings are expected to be shared with the NTA shortly to establish a legal foundation for further action and the eventual filing of a formal FIR.
