As lakhs of medical aspirants across India sit for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, a fresh controversy has surfaced in Rajasthan's Ajmer, where police are investigating a suspicious claim involving the alleged sale of examination papers.
The case revolves around an unidentified caller who allegedly demanded ₹30,000 in exchange for what he claimed was the NEET question paper. The incident has raised concerns about cyber fraud targeting anxious students during one of India's most competitive entrance examinations.
The matter came to light after a student leader approached authorities with evidence, including a video recording and a QR code allegedly used for collecting payments.
Caller allegedly displayed question paper over video call
According to NDTV, Krishna Singh Thakur, the student union president of DAV College in Ajmer, filed a complaint after being alerted by a college fresher about the suspicious activity.
According to Thakur, he personally contacted the number to verify the student's claims. During the interaction, the caller allegedly displayed what appeared to be a question paper over a video call and demanded ₹30,000 in return for sharing it.
The caller also reportedly sent a QR code to facilitate the payment transaction.
Thakur alleged that several students may have already fallen victim to the scam and urged aspirants to avoid getting distracted by such claims during the examination period.
He submitted all available digital evidence, including recordings and payment details, to Additional Superintendent of Police Himanshu Jangid.
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Police investigating whether it is fraud or a larger racket
NDTV noted that Ajmer Police have begun tracking the mobile number and the bank account linked to the QR code shared by the caller.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether the paper shown during the video call had any connection to the actual examination or if it was merely a tool used to deceive students.
Ajmer Superintendent of Police Usha Yadav said cybercriminals often become active during major competitive examinations and exploit candidates' anxiety for financial gain.
Officials are examining whether the case is an isolated attempt at fraud or whether it points towards a larger organised network.
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NEET re-exam underway under unprecedented security
The allegations come at a time when the National Testing Agency is attempting to restore confidence in the examination process after the May 3 NEET-UG exam was cancelled over paper leak allegations.
More than 22 lakh students are appearing for the re-examination under strict security arrangements.
Authorities have significantly strengthened safeguards this time around. Question papers were transported using Indian Air Force aircraft, while senior officials from the Education Ministry have been deployed across the country to monitor the process.
The examination is being conducted at 5,440 centres spread across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations, with surveillance being carried out through over one lakh security cameras.
