🔔 Stay Updated!

Get instant alerts on breaking news, top stories, and updates from News EiSamay.

NTA cracks down on fake Re-NEET 2026 paper leak claims ahead of June 21 exam

Ahead of the Re-NEET 2026 examination, authorities have uncovered a fake paper sale racket operating on Telegram, prompting swift action from the National Testing Agency (NTA).

By Agniv Chowdhury

Jun 04, 2026 16:35 IST

Fresh concerns over exam integrity have surfaced just weeks before the Re-NEET 2026 test scheduled for June 21. Investigators and the NTA are now examining claims that fraudsters were attempting to sell what they falsely advertised as the upcoming examination paper through social media channels.

Fake paper sale claims trigger alarm

A new controversy has emerged around Re-NEET 2026 after several Telegram channels allegedly claimed to have access to the question paper for the upcoming examination. The channels reportedly sought advance payments from students and parents, promising access to the paper before the test.

According to reports by News18, some groups demanded ₹35,000 in advance and claimed they could provide the question paper ahead of the June 21 examination. The claims quickly spread across social media, raising concerns among aspirants already dealing with uncertainty following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG 2026 examination.

Also Read | CBSE re-evaluation portal handles 56,000 re-evaluation requests, defeats cyber threat

NTA moves quickly

The National Testing Agency responded soon after the claims surfaced. The agency referred the matter to cybercrime authorities for investigation and began efforts to identify those behind the alleged racket.

Officials have not confirmed any actual leak of the Re-NEET 2026 question paper. Instead, authorities are treating the claims as suspicious and are examining whether students are being targeted through a fraudulent operation designed to exploit anxiety surrounding the examination.

The exam remains under intense scrutiny

The latest episode comes against the backdrop of the larger NEET-UG 2026 controversy. The original examination was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak, leading to a nationwide debate on exam security and fairness.

The re-examination is scheduled for June 21, with the NTA and the government implementing additional safeguards to prevent any repeat of earlier irregularities. Authorities have informed the Supreme Court that enhanced security measures are being put in place for the retest.

Social media scams under scanner

As per the News18 report, officials have repeatedly warned students against believing messages that promise access to examination papers. The Centre has also worked with major technology platforms, including Meta, Google and Telegram, to curb the spread of fake leak claims and misleading content ahead of the re-examination.

Investigators believe that such claims can create panic among candidates while also becoming a tool for financial fraud. Students have been advised to rely only on official notifications issued by the NTA and other government agencies.

Also Read | Consumer watchdog cracks down on ‘dark patterns’, fines PhysicsWallah and McAfee

Focus remains on the fair conduct of the exam

With Re-NEET 2026 approaching, authorities are continuing efforts to safeguard the examination process. While the alleged Telegram racket has raised fresh concerns, officials have not found evidence so far to suggest that the upcoming question paper has been leaked.

The investigation into the fake paper sale claims is ongoing, and cybercrime authorities are expected to examine the digital trail behind the accounts involved. For lakhs of aspirants, the focus now remains on preparing for the examination amid assurances that strict measures are being taken to protect its integrity.

Articles you may like: