NEET-UG 2026 Scam: How Rajasthan’s ‘Guess Paper’ Triggered Cancellation of India’s Biggest Medical Exam

India’s largest medical entrance examination, NEET-UG 2026, has been cancelled after investigators uncovered a massive suspected paper leak linked to a so-called “guess paper” circulated before the exam. The controversy has sparked outrage among nearly 23 lakh students who appeared for the examination conducted on May 3.

According to investigators, the handwritten document reportedly contained hundreds of questions, many of which closely matched the actual NEET-UG paper. The leak is now being treated as one of the biggest examination scandals in recent years, leading to a nationwide investigation involving central agencies.

The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) revealed that the controversial document consisted of nearly 410 handwritten questions. During the probe, officials found that around 120 questions allegedly matched those asked in the final NEET-UG 2026 examination.

Officials stated that the material had been circulating among students several days before the exam. Investigators suspect the paper was distributed through private coaching circles and social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp groups.

Sources associated with the investigation claimed that a significant number of biology and chemistry questions bore a strong resemblance to the actual exam pattern. Authorities are now examining whether the similarity was enough to unfairly benefit candidates.

The investigation has reportedly traced the origin of the document to a medical student from Rajasthan who was studying at a medical college in Kerala. Officials suspect the material was first shared with contacts in Rajasthan before being distributed to students preparing for NEET.

The document allegedly reached coaching-linked networks in Sikar, one of Rajasthan’s major coaching hubs, where it was further circulated among aspirants staying in hostels and paying guest accommodations.

Investigators examining digital evidence reportedly found multiple forwarded messages and chat trails suggesting the content spread rapidly in the final two days before the examination.

Police sources indicated that the suspected paper was being sold to candidates for huge amounts initially, with prices reportedly touching several lakh rupees. As the exam date approached and the material spread widely, the price allegedly dropped sharply.

Multiple suspects from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have already been detained for questioning. Central agencies are now probing whether a larger interstate network involving coaching operators, students and middlemen was active behind the circulation of the material.

NEET-UG is the gateway for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other undergraduate medical programmes across India. This year’s examination was conducted in 551 Indian cities and 14 international centres in offline mode.

With allegations that a large portion of the science section may have been compromised, pressure mounted on authorities to ensure fairness for lakhs of students. Following the growing controversy and evidence collected during the investigation, the examination was officially cancelled, and a fresh date is expected to be announced later.

The cancellation has triggered massive reactions from students and parents, many of whom have questioned the credibility of the examination system and demanded stricter safeguards against future leaks.