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.
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:
Officials suspect that the document reached students weeks before the examination.
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:
Authorities are now trying to determine:
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released any final conclusion regarding confirmed paper leakage.
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:
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:
However, investigators have not yet officially declared anyone guilty, and the probe is continuing.
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:
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.
Investigators claim some candidates or intermediaries allegedly paid large amounts for access to the suspected material.
According to reports:
Authorities are now tracing:
to determine the scale of the alleged operation.
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:
Investigators are questioning multiple suspects regarding:
Reports also mention that a person named Manish from Jaipur was recently detained for questioning in connection with the broader investigation.
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:
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.
With the CBI now officially handling the matter, investigators are expected to examine:
The case is rapidly evolving into one of the biggest examination controversies in recent years.
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:
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.
