What began as whispers about a "guess paper" in Rajasthan has now exploded into one of the biggest exam scandals India has seen in years, a sprawling NEET-UG 2026 leak trail that appears to stretch from Kerala hostels and Sikar coaching hubs to Gurugram, Nashik and now the CBI’s doorstep. At the centre of it all is a PDF. Reports suggest that the PDF has been traced back to a student from Rajasthan's Sikar pursuing MBBS in Kerala.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/law-banning-hijab-wearing-of-religion-based-symbols-in-educational-institutions-revoked-in-karnataka-1778738120060">Law banning hijab, wearing of religion-based symbols in educational institutions revoked in Karnataka</a><h2>What was in the guess paper?</h2>According to investigators, the so-called guess paper, initially dismissed by many students as just another pre-exam question bank, contained around 45 chemistry questions and 90 biology questions with answers that allegedly matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper held on May 3.The trail, Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group says, began with an MBBS student from Sikar studying in Kerala, who allegedly received the material from a friend before forwarding it to contacts back home, including friends and a hostel owner in Sikar. From there, it reportedly spread through coaching circles, hostel groups and password-protected digital networks, including one group named "Private Mafia." Notably, the hostel owner who had circulated the material later alerted the police himself, and that tip-off appears to have cracked open the case.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-fir-in-neet-ug-2026-paper-leak-multi-state-syndicate-exposed-1778609461848">CBI files FIR in NEET-UG 2026 paper leak; multi-state syndicate exposed</a><h2>Investigators question over 150 students</h2>As investigators dug deeper, more than 150 students, parents and associates were questioned. Investigators found that it may have been bigger than just a local leak, and could potentially be an organised interstate syndicate. Citing CBI sources, ANI reported that students may have paid anywhere between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the NEET paper questions. One accused, Yash Yadav, allegedly helped route the paper into Rajasthan, while another suspect's father is accused of scanning the hard copy into distributable PDFs.The police said that they have recovered chats which reveal a clear "money transaction trail". They have identified several medical college students suspected of being part of the syndicate. &nbsp;"...we have seized mobile phones that have chats on them, and laptops. The chats reveal the money transaction trail. It also has information about students of other medical colleges...we have not found any question paper or guess paper on the phones..." Rajgir DSP Sunil Kumar Singh told ANI.<h2>NEET 2026 cancelled</h2>NEET-UG 2026, taken by nearly 22.8 lakh students across India and abroad on May 3, has been cancelled altogether. The investigation amid massive protests from students has widened beyond Rajasthan.

NEET-UG 2026 may be remembered less as an exam and more as a nationwide scandal. What started as a “guess paper” in Rajasthan now looks like a sprawling leak network stretching across multiple states. Scroll down for the latest.

What began as whispers about a "guess paper" in Rajasthan has now exploded into one of the biggest exam scandals India has seen in years, a sprawling NEET-UG 2026 leak trail that appears to stretch from Kerala hostels and Sikar coaching hubs to Gurugram, Nashik and now the CBI’s doorstep. At the centre of it all is a PDF. Reports suggest that the PDF has been traced back to a student from Rajasthan's Sikar pursuing MBBS in Kerala. Also read | Law banning hijab, wearing of religion-based symbols in educational institutions revoked in Karnataka What was in the guess paper? According to investigators, the so-called guess paper, initially dismissed by many students as just another pre-exam question bank, contained around 45 chemistry questions and 90 biology questions with answers that allegedly matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper held on May 3. The trail, Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group says, began with an MBBS student from Sikar studying in Kerala, who allegedly received the material from a friend before forwarding it to contacts back home, including friends and a hostel owner in Sikar. From there, it reportedly spread through coaching circles, hostel groups and password-protected digital networks, including one group named "Private Mafia." Notably, the hostel owner who had circulated the material later alerted the police himself, and that tip-off appears to have cracked open the case. Also read | CBI files FIR in NEET-UG 2026 paper leak; multi-state syndicate exposed Investigators question over 150 students As investigators dug deeper, more than 150 students, parents and associates were questioned. Investigators found that it may have been bigger than just a local leak, and could potentially be an organised interstate syndicate. Citing CBI sources, ANI reported that students may have paid anywhere between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the NEET paper questions. One accused, Yash Yadav, allegedly helped route the paper into Rajasthan, while another suspect's father is accused of scanning the hard copy into distributable PDFs. The police said that they have recovered chats which reveal a clear "money transaction trail". They have identified several medical college students suspected of being part of the syndicate. "...we have seized mobile phones that have chats on them, and laptops. The chats reveal the money transaction trail. It also has information about students of other medical colleges...we have not found any question paper or guess paper on the phones..." Rajgir DSP Sunil Kumar Singh told ANI. NEET 2026 cancelled NEET-UG 2026, taken by nearly 22.8 lakh students across India and abroad on May 3, has been cancelled altogether. The investigation amid massive protests from students has widened beyond Rajasthan.

NEET-UG 2026 may be remembered less as an exam and more as a nationwide scandal. What started as a “guess paper” in Rajasthan now looks like a sprawling leak network stretching across multiple states. Scroll down for the latest.

Did a Kerala student leak NEET-UG paper? CBI probing money trail as reports suggest students paid Rs 2-5 lakh for access

In a major crackdown the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday (May 12) registered a formal FIR into the alleged paper leak and systemic irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The move follows the government’s unprecedented decision to scrap the May 3 medical entrance test, affecting over 22.7 lakh students across India and abroad. This appears to be one of the largest academic fraud networks in recent history.The FIR, filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, includes charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and destruction of evidence. It also invokes the stringent Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, a law specifically designed to tackle organised paper leak syndicates.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/national-testing-agency-cancels-neet-ug-2026-cbi-probe-ordered-1778606969565/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/national-testing-agency-cancels-neet-ug-2026-cbi-probe-ordered-1778606969565/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The investigation has uncovered a multi-state network stretching from Rajasthan to Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. According to news agency ANI, law enforcement agencies have already detained dozens of individuals suspected of participating in the syndicate.&nbsp;In Nashik, the City Crime Branch arrested a suspect identified as Shubham Khairnar, who is believed to be a key link in the distribution chain. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) has questioned over 45 people in Sikar and Churu. Investigators believe the leak originated from a Churu-based MBBS student studying in Kerala, who allegedly transmitted the "guess paper" to associates in Sikar just days before the exam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/neet-ug-2026-cancelled-a-look-at-the-major-nta-controversies-over-the-years-1778587019118">NEET UG 2026 cancelled: A look at the major NTA controversies over the years</a>&nbsp;At the heart of the probe is a "guess paper" that contained nearly 410 questions. Officials stated that approximately 120 questions, accounting for nearly 600 out of the 720 total marks matched perfectly with the leaked material. The document was allegedly sold through Telegram and WhatsApp groups for prices ranging from Rs30,000 on the eve of the test to as high as Rs5 lakh for early access. "This material began reaching students as early as 15 days before the examination," said Vishal Bansal, ADG of Rajasthan SOG, in a statement to the media.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also reaad: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-nta-inside-india-s-testing-agency-at-the-centre-of-the-neet-ug-2026-row-1778591402156">What is the NTA? Inside India’s testing agency at the centre of the NEET UG 2026 row</a>&nbsp;The cancellation has triggered widespread student protests in the national capital. While the National Testing Agency (NTA) initially defended its AI-assisted CCTV monitoring and GPS-tracked transport protocols, it eventually conceded that the "integrity of the process could not be allowed to stand." The agency has announced that a fresh examination will be conducted on a date to be notified soon, with current registrations remaining valid for the re-test.&nbsp;

The CBI has registered an FIR in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case following a multi-state investigation that uncovered a massive syndicate across Rajasthan and Maharashtra. 

In a major crackdown the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday (May 12) registered a formal FIR into the alleged paper leak and systemic irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The move follows the government’s unprecedented decision to scrap the May 3 medical entrance test, affecting over 22.7 lakh students across India and abroad. This appears to be one of the largest academic fraud networks in recent history. The FIR, filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, includes charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and destruction of evidence. It also invokes the stringent Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, a law specifically designed to tackle organised paper leak syndicates. https://www.wionews.com/videos/national-testing-agency-cancels-neet-ug-2026-cbi-probe-ordered-1778606969565/embed The investigation has uncovered a multi-state network stretching from Rajasthan to Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. According to news agency ANI, law enforcement agencies have already detained dozens of individuals suspected of participating in the syndicate. In Nashik, the City Crime Branch arrested a suspect identified as Shubham Khairnar, who is believed to be a key link in the distribution chain. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) has questioned over 45 people in Sikar and Churu. Investigators believe the leak originated from a Churu-based MBBS student studying in Kerala, who allegedly transmitted the "guess paper" to associates in Sikar just days before the exam. Also read: NEET UG 2026 cancelled: A look at the major NTA controversies over the years At the heart of the probe is a "guess paper" that contained nearly 410 questions. Officials stated that approximately 120 questions, accounting for nearly 600 out of the 720 total marks matched perfectly with the leaked material. The document was allegedly sold through Telegram and WhatsApp groups for prices ranging from Rs30,000 on the eve of the test to as high as Rs5 lakh for early access. "This material began reaching students as early as 15 days before the examination," said Vishal Bansal, ADG of Rajasthan SOG, in a statement to the media. Also reaad: What is the NTA? Inside India’s testing agency at the centre of the NEET UG 2026 row The cancellation has triggered widespread student protests in the national capital. While the National Testing Agency (NTA) initially defended its AI-assisted CCTV monitoring and GPS-tracked transport protocols, it eventually conceded that the "integrity of the process could not be allowed to stand." The agency has announced that a fresh examination will be conducted on a date to be notified soon, with current registrations remaining valid for the re-test.

The CBI has registered an FIR in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case following a multi-state investigation that uncovered a massive syndicate across Rajasthan and Maharashtra.&nbsp;

CBI files FIR in NEET-UG 2026 paper leak; multi-state syndicate exposed

Investigators said the material had been shared two to three days before the examination, raising concerns over a possible organised leak network.

Investigators said the material had been shared two to three days before the examination, raising concerns over a possible organised leak network.

NEET UG 2026 cancelled: A look at the major NTA controversies over the years

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday (May 12) cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026, or NEET-UG 2026, following allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities, and announced that the examination would be conducted again on dates to be notified separately. The Union Government has also ordered a comprehensive inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the allegations surrounding the examination process.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, the National Testing Agency said the decision was taken to preserve transparency and maintain public trust in the national examination system. "On the basis of inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately," the agency said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In continuation of its press release dated 10 May 2026, the National Testing Agency wishes to inform candidates, parents, and members of the public of the following decisions taken in respect of NEET (UG) 2026. NTA had, on 8 May 2026, referred the matters then under consideration…&mdash; National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) <a href="https://twitter.com/NTA_Exams/status/2054089524347871736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-celebrates-international-nurses-day-with-surprise-visit-to-lnjp-hospital-1778574815114">Delhi CM Rekha Gupta celebrates International Nurses’ Day with surprise visit to LNJP hospital</a>&nbsp;The agency added that the findings and inputs received from investigative agencies established that the "present examination process could not be allowed to stand". According to the NTA, fresh dates for the re-conducted examination, along with details regarding re-issued admit cards, will be announced through official channels in the coming days.&nbsp;The agency also confirmed that the matter has been formally referred to the CBI for a detailed probe into allegations linked to the examination. "NTA will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and will provide all materials, records, and assistance the inquiry requires," the statement said. Calling the move necessary in the interest of students, the agency said the decision recognised "the trust on which the national examination system rests".&nbsp;The NTA urged candidates, parents and stakeholders to rely only on official communications regarding the revised schedule and warned against misinformation. It also clarified that registration data, candidature details and examination centres chosen by candidates in the May 2026 cycle would remain valid for the fresh examination.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himanta-biswa-sarma-takes-oath-as-assam-s-cm-for-consecutive-term-1778567331079">Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam's CM for 2nd consecutive term</a>&nbsp;"No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied," the statement said. It added that examination fees already paid by students would be refunded, and the re-test would be conducted using the agency's internal resources. The NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted on May 3 for admissions to undergraduate medical courses across India.

The NTA has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 and ordered a CBI probe following allegations of a paper leak. A re-examination will be scheduled to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday (May 12) cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026, or NEET-UG 2026, following allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities, and announced that the examination would be conducted again on dates to be notified separately. The Union Government has also ordered a comprehensive inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the allegations surrounding the examination process. In a statement posted on X, the National Testing Agency said the decision was taken to preserve transparency and maintain public trust in the national examination system. "On the basis of inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies, the National Testing Agency, with the approval of the Government of India, has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately," the agency said.

The NTA has cancelled NEET-UG 2026 and ordered a CBI probe following allegations of a paper leak. A re-examination will be scheduled to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.

‘Trust in system at stake’: NTA cancels NEET-UG 2026 amid leak claims. Details inside

neet-ug-2026-cancelled

Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled, News on Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled, stories on Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled, articles on Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled, Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled stories at Wion, Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled news, Neet Ug 2026 Cancelled latest news

neet ug-2026-cancelled

Did a Kerala student leak NEET-UG paper? CBI probing money trail as reports suggest students paid Rs 2-5 lakh for access

CBI files FIR in NEET-UG 2026 paper leak; multi-state syndicate exposed

NEET UG 2026 cancelled: A look at the major NTA controversies over the years

‘Trust in system at stake’: NTA cancels NEET-UG 2026 amid leak claims