NEET-UG 2026 paper leak probe puts Rajasthan and Uttarakhand under spotlight as NTA cancels exam, triggering CBI investigation and nationwide concern
New Delhi: The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 has placed Rajasthan and Uttarakhand at the centre of a major national investigation into alleged exam irregularities. After reports of a “guess paper” circulating before the medical entrance exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the exam conducted on May 3, 2026, and ordered a fresh re-examination. Investigators from Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies are now examining how coaching networks, messaging apps and cross-state connections may have helped the material spread before one of India’s biggest entrance exams.
NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation Triggered Nationwide Shock
More than 22 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG 2026 examination across India on May 3.
Within days, authorities received reports from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand about suspicious question sets circulating before the exam. Rajasthan Police’s SOG launched an investigation and reportedly found a handwritten or compiled “guess paper” that had major similarities with the actual NEET question paper.
Following these findings, the NTA officially cancelled NEET-UG 2026 on May 12, 2026.
The government later announced that:
• A fresh re-examination will be conducted
• No new registration will be required
• Existing application details will remain valid
• Fees will be adjusted or refunded where necessary
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will investigate the case
What Investigators Found During the Probe
According to investigation reports, SOG teams recovered study material described as a “guess paper,” question bank or practice set containing nearly 281 to 410 questions.
Investigators reportedly found that around 120 to 140 questions — especially in Biology and Chemistry — closely matched or were identical to the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper.
The overlap reportedly covered questions worth nearly 600 marks out of the total 720 marks.
Authorities believe the material started circulating in coaching hubs such as Sikar in Rajasthan between late April and May 1, days before the examination.
Reports also suggest that:
• The material spread through WhatsApp and Telegram groups
• Some students allegedly paid between ₹30,000 and ₹5 lakh for access
• The network may have involved coaching-linked individuals and local contacts
The investigation later expanded into Uttarakhand after authorities traced links between suspects operating in both states.
Rajasthan Emerged as the Main Circulation Hub
Rajasthan, especially Sikar, became the main focus of the investigation.
Sikar is one of India’s largest coaching centres for competitive exams and attracts thousands of NEET and JEE aspirants every year.
SOG teams conducted raids and questioning in:
• Sikar
• Jhunjhunu
• Other coaching-heavy areas in Rajasthan
Investigators reportedly questioned or detained more than a dozen suspects connected to coaching institutes, career counselling groups and PG accommodation networks.
One accused from Jhunjhunu was reportedly arrested in Dehradun and later brought back to Rajasthan for questioning.
Officials are also investigating whether the original material may have come from a medical student in Kerala before reaching Rajasthan.
Uttarakhand Links Deepened the Investigation
The investigation later uncovered important links in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. SOG teams conducted operations in the city after reports suggested that some suspects had moved between Rajasthan and Uttarakhand while circulating the material.
Authorities detained several individuals during the operation. The connection between Dehradun and Rajasthan revealed how quickly such material could spread through coaching and student networks across states.
Investigators now believe the circulation system may have operated through organised communication channels instead of isolated individuals.
Rajasthan Has Faced Multiple Paper Leak Controversies Earlier
The NEET-UG 2026 controversy is not the first exam-related scandal linked to Rajasthan.
Over the last several years, the state has witnessed multiple paper leak cases involving:
• REET examinations
• Teacher recruitment exams
• Government recruitment tests
• Competitive entrance exams
Sikar and nearby regions have repeatedly appeared in investigations because of their massive coaching industry and high concentration of aspirants.
Uttarakhand has also faced exam irregularity controversies earlier, although at a smaller scale compared to Rajasthan.
The NEET case has now brought both states under national attention together.
Students Face Emotional and Academic Stress
The cancellation has deeply affected lakhs of honest students who prepared for years for the examination.
Many aspirants expressed frustration over:
• Wasted preparation
• Mental stress
• Delayed admissions
• Uncertainty about future plans
At the same time, several students said a re-exam was necessary to ensure fairness for everyone.
Despite strong security measures like biometric verification, AI-based monitoring and GPS-tracked transport, the investigation findings forced authorities to cancel the examination completely.
What Happens Next?
The NTA has confirmed that:
• Fresh NEET-UG 2026 exam dates will be announced soon
• No additional application fees will be charged
• Counselling will happen based on the re-exam result
• The CBI will conduct a detailed investigation
Authorities have also advised students not to trust rumours circulating online and to follow only official NTA updates.
Why Rajasthan and Uttarakhand Are Now Under the Spotlight
Experts believe the concentration of coaching institutes in places like Sikar creates an environment where “guess papers,” question banks and leaked material can spread quickly.
Messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp make circulation even faster.
While prediction papers and practice sets are common in India’s coaching culture, investigators believe the scale of overlap in this case crossed the line into serious irregularities.
The NEET-UG 2026 controversy has once again raised major questions about:
• Exam security
• Coaching industry influence
• Digital monitoring systems
• The pressure of India’s entrance exam culture
Whether Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are becoming new paper leak hotspots or whether this reflects an older problem becoming more visible remains open to debate.
However, after the events of May 2026, both states are now firmly at the centre of India’s latest national conversation on exam integrity.
