The inquiry into the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination is increasingly focusing on Rajasthan, where investigators are revealing details about a suspected network involved in leaking examination papers linked to the state's coaching industry.
Recent findings from the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) indicate that a so-called 'guess paper' circulated among students prior to the May 3 exam, which closely resembled the actual Chemistry section of the test.
Authorities are now investigating whether this distribution was a mere coincidence or part of a larger organized scheme involving leaked exam materials.
The alleged network is believed to have strong ties to Sikar district in Rajasthan, a prominent hub for NEET and JEE coaching.
According to the SOG's findings:
Officials suspect that this document reached students weeks ahead of the examination.
One of the most alarming claims in the investigation is the reported similarity between the circulated material and the actual exam paper.
Investigators have noted that:
Authorities are currently trying to ascertain:
The investigation is ongoing, and no final conclusions regarding confirmed paper leakage have been released.
Preliminary investigations have identified Rakesh Mandawaria as a potential key player in the alleged network.
Reports indicate he runs an organization named:
Investigators believe the 'guess paper' may have circulated through networks associated with this consultancy and related coaching circles.
Sources suggest that:
However, no official charges have been made as the investigation continues.
Authorities are also looking into the involvement of an MBBS student from Rajasthan, currently studying in Kerala.
According to investigation reports:
Investigators have discovered several chat records labeled:
“Forwarded many times”
This raises suspicions about the widespread circulation of the material prior to the exam date.
Forensic analysis of digital devices, chats, and communication records is currently underway.
Investigators claim that some candidates or intermediaries paid substantial sums for access to the suspected materials.
Reports indicate that:
Authorities are tracing financial transactions, digital payments, communication patterns, and connections within the coaching network to assess the scale of the alleged operation.
Investigation agencies have detained at least 15 individuals in connection with this case.
The detained individuals are reportedly from:
Investigators are questioning multiple suspects about:
Reports also mention that a person named Manish from Jaipur was recently taken in for questioning as part of the broader investigation.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) decided to cancel the NEET UG 2026 examination on May 3 due to increasing public outcry and preliminary findings from the investigation.
The examination had taken place at:
The agency emphasized that preserving the integrity of national examinations was paramount over proceeding with a potentially compromised test.
Students will be required to take a new examination on dates that will be announced later.
With the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now officially involved, the inquiry is expected to delve into:
This case is rapidly evolving into one of the most significant examination controversies in recent years.
This controversy has reignited a national discussion regarding the influence of coaching networks and underground exam-solving systems surrounding major competitive examinations.
Experts are calling for enhanced safeguards, including:
As investigations progress, authorities are expected to uncover further details about how the alleged materials were disseminated and whether organized criminal networks played a role in compromising one of India's most critical entrance examinations.
