NEET Paper Leak: When Have Paper Leaks Occurred in the NEET Exam? A Comprehensive Overview of Every Incident

NEET Paper Leak: Four days after the NEET UG examination was conducted on May 3, 2026, the NTA received information regarding alleged malpractice and the sale of the exam paper. Subsequently, on May 8, the agency handed over the case to a central investigative agency.

NEET Paper Leak: The country’s largest medical entrance examination, NEET UG, finds itself embroiled in controversy once again. Following apprehensions regarding alleged paper leaks and irregularities concerning the exam held on May 3, 2026, investigative agencies have swung into action. Issuing an advisory on the matter, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has appealed to students to refrain from believing rumors and to maintain patience. However, this is not the first time that questions have been raised regarding the NEET examination. On several previous occasions, instances involving paper leaks, “solver gangs” (groups providing proxy solvers), proxy candidates, and examination irregularities have come to light. In light of this, let us take you through the instances when paper leaks have occurred in the NEET examination.

Why Did the Controversy Erupt Over NEET UG 2026?

Four days after the NEET UG examination was conducted on May 3, 2026, the NTA received information regarding alleged malpractice and the sale of the exam paper. Subsequently, on May 8, the agency handed over the case to a central investigative agency. The investigation revealed the names of several suspects linked to Sikar and Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, as well as Dehradun and Kerala. According to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police, a 150-page PDF document containing approximately 400 questions went viral on WhatsApp prior to the examination. Preliminary investigations revealed that about 120 of these questions matched those in the actual exam paper. Some reports have claimed that out of 300 questions, approximately 150 appeared in the actual examination. The agency has stated that the investigation is currently in its preliminary stages, and every angle is being thoroughly examined.

Instances of Paper Leaks in the NEET Examination

Major Controversy in 2024 as Well

The NEET UG 2024 examination also sparked significant controversy across the country. During its investigation, the Economic Offences Unit of Bihar recovered 68 questions from burnt answer sheets that were found to match the original question paper. Even the serial numbers of the questions were identical. The investigation revealed the involvement of a school located in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. The report alleged that a packet containing the question papers had been opened in a manner deviating from the prescribed protocol. Subsequently, the investigation into the case was handed over to the CBI. Several petitions regarding this matter were also filed in the Supreme Court; while some students demanded the cancellation of the examination, others opposed the idea of ​​holding a re-examination.

Solver Gang Exposed in 2021

In 2021, a case involving the deployment of proxy candidates in the NEET-UG examination came to light. The CBI registered a case against a coaching institute in Nagpur and its administrators. It was alleged that, in exchange for substantial sums of money paid by the families of certain students, other individuals were made to appear for the examination in their place. The investigation uncovered a network linked to examination centers in Delhi and Ranchi. The CBI arrested several accused individuals, while some remained absconding for an extended period.

FIR Registered in 2022 as Well

Following the NEET-UG examination held on July 17, 2022, the CBI registered a case against a “solver gang.” It was alleged that, using forged identity cards and documents, individuals other than the actual students were made to sit for the examination. Such illicit activities were uncovered at examination centers in Delhi and Haryana. Subsequently, the CBI conducted raids across several cities, arrested the accused individuals, and filed a chargesheet.

Case of Irregularities Emerged in 2018

In 2018, allegations of rigging the NEET examination surfaced against an educational center located in West Patel Nagar, Delhi. It was alleged that the institute lured students with false assurances of helping them pass the examination, charging them large sums of money in return. The CBI initiated an investigation into the matter following a complaint.