NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Probe Points to Rajasthan; Investigators Examine Alleged Network Linked to Sikar

The investigation into the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination is now increasingly pointing toward Rajasthan as investigators uncover details about an alleged paper leak network connected to the state’s coaching ecosystem.

According to findings emerging from the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG), a suspected “guess paper” that reportedly matched a large portion of the actual Chemistry section of the examination had circulated among students before the May 3 exam.

Authorities are now examining whether the distribution was merely a coincidence or part of a larger organized operation linked to leaked examination content.

The controversy has already led the National Testing Agency (NTA) to cancel the examination and announce a fresh test, while the Government of India has handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a deeper probe.

Rajasthan’s Sikar District Emerges as Key Focus Area

Investigators say the alleged network appears to have strong links with Rajasthan’s Sikar district, which has become one of India’s biggest coaching and competitive examination hubs for NEET and JEE preparation.

According to Rajasthan SOG investigators:

• The alleged “guess paper” reportedly circulated from Sikar to multiple districts including:
  • Churu
  • Jhunjhunu
  • Dehradun in Uttarakhand
• Printed copies were allegedly distributed to some students.
• Digital PDF versions also spread rapidly through private groups and messaging channels.

Officials suspect that the document reached students weeks before the examination.

120 Questions Allegedly Matched Actual Chemistry Section

One of the most serious claims in the investigation relates to the alleged similarity between the circulated material and the actual examination paper.

According to investigators:

• The “guess paper” reportedly contained around 410 questions across nearly 150 pages.
• Around 120 questions allegedly matched the actual Chemistry section of NEET UG 2026 almost exactly.

Authorities are now trying to determine:

• Whether the similarities were coincidental
• Whether actual exam content was leaked beforehand
• How the material spread so widely before the examination

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released any final conclusion regarding confirmed paper leakage.

Investigators Examine Alleged Role of Rakesh Mandawaria

According to preliminary investigation details, a person identified as Rakesh Mandawaria is being examined as a possible key figure in the alleged network.

Reports suggest he operates an organisation called:

• SK Consultancy
• Located on Piprali Road in Sikar district

Investigators suspect the alleged “guess paper” may have spread through networks connected to this consultancy and related coaching circles.

According to sources associated with the investigation:

• The PDF version of the material may have originated from Sikar.
• The document allegedly reached certain individuals as early as April 2026.
• Digital circulation later expanded through multiple communication channels.

However, investigators have not yet officially declared anyone guilty, and the probe is continuing.

MBBS Student From Rajasthan Also Under Scanner

Investigators are also examining the possible involvement of an MBBS student reportedly studying at a medical college in Kerala and originally belonging to Rajasthan’s Churu district.

According to investigation inputs:

• The student allegedly received the PDF from Sikar-based contacts.
• The material may later have spread through WhatsApp groups and private messaging channels.

Investigators reportedly found several chat records carrying the label:

“Forwarded many times”

This has increased suspicion that the material may have circulated widely before the examination date.

Authorities are now conducting forensic analysis of digital devices, chats, and communication records.

Huge Sums Allegedly Paid for the Material

Investigators claim some candidates or intermediaries allegedly paid large amounts for access to the suspected material.

According to reports:

• Initial prices reportedly reached up to ₹5 lakh.
• As circulation increased closer to the exam date, the price allegedly dropped sharply.
• Some reports suggest the material was later sold for around ₹30,000.

Authorities are now tracing:

• Financial transactions
• Digital payments
• Communication patterns
• Coaching network connections

to determine the scale of the alleged operation.

15 People Taken Into Custody So Far

According to investigation agencies, at least 15 individuals have already been detained or taken into custody in connection with the case.

The detained individuals reportedly belong to:

• Rajasthan
• Uttarakhand
• Other connected regions

Investigators are questioning multiple suspects regarding:

• Distribution channels
• Financial dealings
• Student contacts
• Coaching links

Reports also mention that a person named Manish from Jaipur was recently detained for questioning in connection with the broader investigation.

NTA Cancels Exam Amid Growing Pressure

The NTA decided to cancel the May 3 NEET UG 2026 examination after growing public outrage and preliminary findings linked to the investigation.

The examination had been conducted across:

• 5,432 examination centres
• With participation from nearly 22.79 lakh candidates

The agency stated that maintaining the integrity of national examinations was more important than continuing with a potentially compromised test.

Students will now have to appear for a fresh examination on dates that will be announced separately.

CBI Investigation Expected to Expand Further

With the CBI now officially handling the matter, investigators are expected to examine:

• Interstate coaching networks
• Digital paper circulation
• Organized cheating syndicates
• Financial transactions
• Question paper security systems

The case is rapidly evolving into one of the biggest examination controversies in recent years.

Debate Over Coaching Ecosystem Intensifies

The controversy has once again triggered national debate over the role of coaching networks and underground exam-solving systems operating around major competitive examinations.

Experts are now demanding stronger safeguards such as:

• Better cyber monitoring
• End-to-end encrypted question paper systems
• Stricter coaching regulation
• Advanced digital surveillance
• Real-time leak detection technology

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to uncover more details regarding how the alleged material spread and whether organized criminal networks were involved in compromising one of India’s most important entrance examinations.