NEET UG 2026 Exam Cancelled Amid Paper Leak Investigation

The NEET UG 2026 exam has been cancelled due to a serious paper leak scandal, prompting an investigation by the CBI. Initial findings revealed that over 120 questions in the exam matched those in a leaked guess paper. The investigation has traced the source of the leak to a student in Kerala who circulated the guess paper. The NTA, responsible for setting the exam, is under scrutiny as the CBI delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the leak. This situation raises critical questions about the integrity of the examination process and the measures in place to prevent such incidents.

By Ambika Singh May 12, 2026, 14:47 IST

NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Incident

NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially annulled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 due to a significant paper leak scandal. This decision was made after the NTA discovered that the integrity of the exam had been compromised. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to take over the investigation, which was initially being handled by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police. Preliminary findings indicated that 120 questions in the exam matched those found in a leaked "guess paper." Further investigation revealed that these questions were disseminated after the NEET UG paper sets were created but before they were printed, leading to their circulation among candidates.

Understanding the Source of the Leak

**Guess Paper Travels from Kerala to Sikar; Many Questions Found Identical**
To comprehend the situation better, we need to explore the origins of the leaked questions. Investigations by the Rajasthan Police SOG uncovered that a student from Churu, Rajasthan, currently studying MBBS in Kerala, had sent a PDF of a NEET UG guess paper to a PG accommodation operator in Sikar. This act led to the widespread distribution of the guess paper. Ironically, it was this PG operator who reported the issue to the police after noticing that over 120 questions from the actual exam were identical to those in the guess paper.

Who is Responsible for Setting the NEET UG Paper?

**Who Prepares the NEET UG Paper Set?**
The NEET UG paper is exclusively crafted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). An expert committee, formed by the NTA, is tasked with creating the paper sets. This committee includes subject matter experts, psychometricians, IT specialists, and security professionals, along with educators and test reviewers.

After the paper sets are developed, they undergo several rounds of scrutiny by subject matter experts and psychometricians. The NTA also maintains a Question/Item Bank for each subject, utilizing advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and specialized software.

The Test Development Committee, consisting of educators and professionals appointed by the NTA, is responsible for verifying the answers to these questions. Additionally, separate Item Writing Committees are established for this purpose.

In summary, a collaborative effort from various committees is involved in formulating the questions and answers for NTA examinations. The NTA has consistently asserted that the question papers are designed to ensure that no single expert has prior access to their specific contents.

Investigation into the Printing Process

So, were the questions leaked from the printing press?
The CBI is now set to continue the investigation into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. However, findings from the Rajasthan Police SOG suggest that the questions were leaked before the printing process, leading to their viral spread among candidates as "guess papers." This raises suspicions about the printing facility's role in the leak. The critical question remains: were the NEET UG 2026 questions indeed compromised at the printing press? The CBI will investigate all individuals and entities involved, including the NTA itself.