New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has rejected claims circulating on social media and messaging platforms that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination question paper has been leaked, sold, or made available in advance. The agency described such claims as false and fraudulent and warned that strict action would be taken against individuals and groups spreading misinformation.
NEET-UG is the national entrance examination used for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, AYUSH, veterinary, and allied health science courses across India.
In an official statement issued on June 6, NTA said organized cheating networks were attempting to exploit students and their families by spreading fabricated claims about access to the NEET UG 2026 re-examination paper and demanding money in return. The agency stated that no unauthorized person has access to the examination paper and that safeguards remain in place to ensure the integrity of the examination process.
NTA said that certain organized gangs and anti-social elements were attempting to mislead candidates by falsely claiming access to the question paper. According to the agency, these groups were using social media platforms to collect money from students and parents by promising examination content or advance access to questions.
The agency emphasized that the confidentiality of the examination remains protected through a multi-layered security framework designed to prevent unauthorized access to question papers before the test.
The clarification comes ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. The re-test was announced after the original examination conducted on May 3 came under scrutiny following allegations of a paper leak. The matter is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
NTA has advised candidates and parents not to engage with or make payments to individuals, groups, or online channels claiming to provide access to the question paper or answer keys before the examination. The agency emphasized that any authentic information regarding the NEET UG 2026 re-examination would be communicated only through its official website and verified communication channels.
NTA said that individuals found involved in creating or circulating false claims would face action under applicable laws.
The agency also urged aspirants to remain focused on their preparation and avoid being distracted by rumors circulating online.
The latest controversy emerged after a social media user alleged that several Telegram channels were claiming to sell the question paper for the upcoming NEET UG 2026 re-examination. According to The Times of India, the user shared links to multiple Telegram groups and tagged NTA and CyberDost, seeking action against the accounts.
Responding publicly, NTA stated that the reported links had been referred to cybercrime authorities for verification and appropriate action. The agency later reiterated that any claims regarding the sale or availability of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination paper were fabricated.
According to reports, the agency acted after receiving information from a social media user who flagged several Telegram channels allegedly claiming to sell the re-examination paper. NTA referred the links to cybercrime authorities for verification and further investigation.
According to NTA, authorities are identifying and reporting social media accounts, messaging channels, and online content involved in spreading such misinformation. The agency said it has also initiated complaints with law enforcement and cybercrime authorities against those responsible for creating and circulating fraudulent content.
Separately, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit dismissed reports claiming that the Ministry of Finance's secured printing press would print the NEET-UG re-examination question papers.
In a statement posted on X, PIB Fact Check labeled the claim as fake and clarified that the Ministry of Finance is not involved in printing NEET-UG re-examination papers. The fact-check unit urged the public to rely only on official sources for information related to the examination and cautioned against sharing unverified reports.
PIB Fact Check urged the public to verify information through official government and NTA channels and cautioned against forwarding unverified messages related to the examination.
The clarification followed media reports and social media discussions suggesting that the Finance Ministry's facilities could be used to print the re-examination papers. Government officials denied the claim and reiterated that the examination process remains under the authority of the National Testing Agency and the Ministry of Education.
The agency reiterated that claims regarding leaked papers, advance access to questions, or the sale of examination material are not genuine. NTA stated that candidates should rely only on official communications and avoid interacting with unverified sources that promise examination content.
Officials warned that online misinformation campaigns could create unnecessary anxiety among students and parents.
NTA stated that it is monitoring instances of online misinformation related to the NEET UG 2026 re-examination and coordinating with relevant authorities. The agency reiterated that individuals found involved in creating, promoting, or circulating false claims regarding question papers or examination content could face action under applicable laws.
The Government of India approved a re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 after allegations of question paper leaks surfaced following the May 3 examination. The NEET UG 2026 re-examination was announced after allegations of a question paper leak emerged following the May 3 examination, prompting an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). NTA announced that the re-test would be conducted on June 21, 2026.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Chief Ministers and administrators across the country seeking support for the smooth conduct of the examination. He also requested state authorities to ensure basic facilities such as drinking water, seating arrangements, cooling arrangements, washrooms, electricity supply, and transportation for candidates, particularly in view of prevailing heatwave conditions.
According to earlier official announcements, the Indian Air Force will assist in the secure transportation of question papers for the re-examination.
Meanwhile, the CBI investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak continues. The agency has reported multiple arrests and said its investigation identified individuals allegedly involved in the leak of examination content before the May 3 test. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence and question suspects in connection with the case.
The NTA has maintained that the upcoming NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21 will be conducted under enhanced security measures and that reports claiming access to the paper before the test are not genuine.
(Rh/MSM)