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Over 22.79 lakh students sat for NEET UG on May 3. Within days, a paper leak scandal unravelled. Here is every key event — in order — so you understand exactly what happened and what comes next.
NEET UG 2026 conducted across India
Exam held in pen-and-paper mode under full security — GPS-tracked vehicles, AI CCTV, biometric verification, and 5G jammers deployed by NTA.
Guess paper circulates — 42 hours before exam
A handwritten "guess paper" containing ~410 questions was reportedly sent via WhatsApp to students. 120 of those questions allegedly matched the actual NEET paper.
NTA receives malpractice inputs
On late evening of May 7 — four days after the exam — NTA received inputs about alleged irregularities. These were immediately escalated to central agencies.
NTA refers matter to central agencies
NTA formally referred all matters to central agencies for independent verification. Rajasthan SOG launches a parallel investigation.
NTA issues first official press release
NTA acknowledges the controversy for the first time and informs the public that a review is underway with investigative agencies.
NEET UG 2026 Cancelled. CBI Probe Ordered.
NTA officially cancels NEET UG 2026 with Government of India approval. CBI ordered to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. Re-exam dates to be announced separately.
| Element | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan SOG Probe | Found "guess paper" with 410 questions; 120 matched actual paper (90 Bio + 30 Chemistry) | Ongoing |
| Suspects Detained | 13 persons arrested from Dehradun, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu | Confirmed |
| Maharashtra Link | Similar videos and test-series papers shared from a Latur coaching institute | Under Review |
| Telegram Groups | SOG investigating financial transactions and Telegram channels linked to irregularities | Ongoing |
| CBI Investigation | Central Bureau of Investigation ordered by Government of India for comprehensive inquiry | Ordered |
NTA maintains the exam was conducted under full security protocol — GPS-tracked question paper transport, AI-assisted CCTV monitoring, biometric verification at every centre, and 5G jammers in operation. The agency says suspicious inputs were only received on May 7, four days after the exam.
Official NTA Confirmation — No Extra Steps Required