The controversy surrounding the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination has intensified after investigators reportedly traced the beginning of the alleged paper leak investigation to a WhatsApp message marked “Forwarded Many Times.”
The examination, conducted on May 3, 2026, has now been officially cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) following serious allegations related to leaked examination material and irregularities.
The Government of India has handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) continues uncovering details linked to the alleged circulation of a suspicious “guess paper.”
The incident has affected nearly 22 lakh students who appeared for one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations.
According to investigation inputs, authorities became suspicious after discovering a WhatsApp message carrying the tag:
“Forwarded Many Times”
Investigators reportedly believed this indicated that the material had spread widely across multiple users rather than remaining limited to a small private group.
The discovery triggered a deeper probe into:
Officials are now examining whether the material represented an actual paper leak or an illegally circulated set of genuine examination questions.
Following preliminary findings and inputs from investigative agencies, the NTA announced the cancellation of the May 3 examination.
According to the agency:
The NTA also stated that it would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
According to Rajasthan SOG investigators, the controversy revolves around a 150-page PDF document allegedly containing more than 400 questions.
Investigators claim that:
Authorities are now trying to determine whether the material was:
The investigation remains ongoing, and no final conclusion has yet been officially confirmed.
Investigators say Rajasthan’s Sikar district has emerged as a major focal point in the probe.
Sikar is widely known as a coaching hub for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE.
According to investigators:
Police suspect the content may have circulated through coaching circles, students, and private accommodation networks.
According to investigation reports, a person identified as Rakesh Mandawaria is being examined as a possible key figure connected to the circulation network.
Investigators claim the alleged material may have been distributed through channels associated with him.
However, authorities have not officially declared anyone guilty, and the investigation is continuing under multiple agencies.
Investigators are also examining the alleged involvement of an MBBS student originally from Rajasthan’s Churu district and currently studying in Kerala.
According to reports:
Authorities are conducting forensic analysis of:
to trace the full route of circulation.
Another surprising twist in the investigation involves a paying guest (PG) operator who had initially approached police with information about the alleged leak.
Investigators now reportedly suspect that:
Officials are continuing to interrogate multiple suspects connected to student housing and coaching-linked accommodation facilities.
According to investigation sources:
Authorities are also tracing financial transactions and digital evidence connected to the alleged network.
The controversy has now triggered strong political reactions as well.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reportedly accused the state government of attempting to suppress the matter for nearly two weeks.
Political leaders from multiple parties have demanded:
In its official statement, the NTA said the cancellation decision was taken after examining information shared by law enforcement agencies and central investigative bodies.
According to the agency:
The agency also emphasized that the decision was approved by the Government of India.
The cancellation has left lakhs of students facing uncertainty regarding:
Many students had prepared for years for the examination and are now forced to prepare again for the upcoming re-test.
At the same time, many student groups have supported the decision, saying a fresh examination is necessary to ensure fairness for honest candidates.
The latest controversy has once again raised serious questions regarding:
Experts are now demanding advanced reforms such as:
As the CBI investigation progresses, authorities are expected to uncover more details regarding how the alleged material circulated and whether organized criminal networks compromised one of India’s most important entrance examinations.
