Investigating agencies now suspect the involvement of a large and organized racket in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, with its network reportedly extending from Maharashtra to Haryana.
Earlier today, the National Testing Agency (National Testing Agency) cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3, 2026. The decision was taken after authorities concluded that the integrity of the exam process had been compromised. Investigators have also traced the first copy of the allegedly leaked question paper to Nashik in Maharashtra.
According to reports, a man named Manish was arrested from Jaipur on Tuesday and is believed to be the mastermind behind the leak. Investigators claim he had prior access to probable questions even before the official question paper was printed.
A joint probe involving the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), central agencies, and police from multiple states is currently underway. Officials allege that students were provided with a “guess paper” before the exam, which reportedly contained over 100 questions that closely matched the actual NEET question paper.
Leak Network Spanning Multiple States
Preliminary findings suggest that the paper leak network operated across several states. The trail reportedly began in Rajasthan and extended to Nashik in Maharashtra, followed by links in Haryana and Uttarakhand.
Authorities suspect that a digital version of the leaked paper was first circulated in Nashik. Following this lead, multiple mobile phones, laptops, and social media accounts are now under scrutiny.
Key Accused and Suspected Modus Operandi
Coaching operators, intermediaries, and certain technical experts are believed to be part of the racket. Manish has been identified as the primary accused in the case.
Investigators allege that the paper was initially leaked through a PG student in Rajasthan and subsequently distributed across different states. Several individuals have been detained, while efforts continue to trace the wider network.
Questions Raised Over NTA Functioning
Prior to the exam, the National Testing Agency had dismissed all allegations of a leak, maintaining that the examination was secure. However, the large number of matching questions has now raised serious concerns over the agency’s oversight and exam security mechanisms.
Nationwide Student Outrage
The incident has triggered widespread anger among students across the country. Many are questioning how such a breach could occur despite stringent security arrangements. Calls for a re-examination of NEET UG have also gained momentum in several regions.