Investigation into Possible Cheating in the NEET-UG 2026 Exam

May 11, 2026, 17:19
IndiaPolitics

Introduction

The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) has started an investigation into possible cheating in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026. This follows reports that a document containing questions similar to the official exam was shared before the test took place.

Main Body

The investigation began after Rajasthan police learned about a handwritten 'guess paper' with around 400 questions, which was shared online before the exam on May 3. According to Additional Director General Vishal Bansal, about 120 questions in biology and chemistry were very similar to the real exam. This could have allowed some students to score up to 600 out of 720 marks. Early evidence suggests the document came from a medical student in Kerala and was spread through a network in Sikar, Rajasthan. Reports indicate the material was sold for between ₹30,000 and ₹5 lakh. As a result, thirteen people have been arrested in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. In response, the National Testing Agency (NTA) emphasized that the exam was held under strict security. They mentioned using GPS-tracked transport, AI-powered CCTV, biometric checks, and 5G jammers. The NTA stated that it learned about the problems on May 7 and informed central agencies on May 8. While the NTA has promised to be transparent and work with investigators, it refused to guess the final result of the probe. Furthermore, this situation has caused a strong political debate. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, described the event as a systemic failure. They argued that exam leaks have become a pattern over the last ten years, which hurts the fairness of the process for the 22.79 lakh applicants competing for limited medical seats. This scrutiny is especially high because Sikar is a well-known education hub that has faced similar issues in the past.

Conclusion

The SOG and NTA are continuing to investigate where the document came from and whether there was a formal security breach.

Learning

⚡ The "B2 Power-Up": Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using basic verbs like say or do and start using Precise Verbs. Look at how the article describes a scandal without using simple words.

🔍 The Upgrade Map

A2 Simple WordB2 Precise Word (from text)Why it is better
SaidEmphasizedShows the speaker is being strong and clear.
ToldInformedSounds more official and professional.
SaidDescribedGives a detailed picture of the situation.
ShowedIndicateSuggests a sign or a hint rather than a direct fact.

🛠️ Logic Tool: The "Cause & Effect" Connection

B2 students don't just list facts; they connect them. Notice this phrase from the text:

"This could have allowed some students to score..."

The Secret Formula: Could have + Past Participle (allowed/been/done).

Use this when you are talking about a possibility in the past that didn't necessarily happen for everyone, but was possible.

  • A2 Style: Maybe students got high marks because of the paper.
  • B2 Style: The leaked paper could have allowed students to cheat.

🚩 Vocabulary for "The Big Picture"

Instead of saying "a big problem," the article uses "systemic failure."

  • Systemic means the problem is not just one person's fault, but the whole system is broken. Using adjectives like this transforms your English from 'basic' to 'academic.'

Quick Tip: Next time you see a problem at work or school, don't call it a "bad situation." Call it a "systemic issue."

Vocabulary Learning

investigation (n.)
A detailed and systematic examination of a situation to discover facts or prove something.
Example:The police launched an investigation after receiving the report.
cheating (n.)
The act of breaking rules to gain an unfair advantage, especially in exams.
Example:The student was caught cheating during the test.
handwritten (adj.)
Written by hand rather than typed or printed.
Example:She submitted a handwritten note to the teacher.
guess (n.)
An estimate or assumption made without full information.
Example:He made a guess about the answer before checking the book.
similar (adj.)
Having characteristics that are alike or comparable.
Example:The two paintings are similar in style.
score (n.)
The number of points or marks obtained in an exam or competition.
Example:She achieved a high score on her final exam.
evidence (n.)
Information that shows something to be true or real.
Example:The police collected evidence from the crime scene.
network (n.)
A group of connected people or things, especially for sharing information.
Example:He uses his professional network to find job opportunities.
sold (v.)
To exchange goods or services for money.
Example:The old books were sold at the charity auction.
lakh (n.)
A unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand.
Example:The ticket cost 5 lakh rupees.
arrested (v.)
To be taken into custody by law enforcement for suspected wrongdoing.
Example:The suspect was arrested after the investigation.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something.
Example:The CEO emphasized the need for teamwork.
strict (adj.)
Enforcing rules or standards very firmly.
Example:The teacher had strict policies about late homework.
security (n.)
Measures taken to protect against danger or theft.
Example:The building has high security to prevent unauthorized entry.
GPS-tracked (adj.)
Monitored or recorded using Global Positioning System technology.
Example:The delivery truck was GPS-tracked for safety.
transport (n.)
The act of moving people or goods from one place to another.
Example:Public transport is often cheaper than driving.
AI-powered (adj.)
Using artificial intelligence technology to improve performance.
Example:The new system is AI-powered to detect fraud.
biometric (adj.)
Relating to the measurement and analysis of unique physical characteristics.
Example:Biometric scanners read fingerprints for access.
checks (n.)
Inspections or examinations to ensure something is correct or safe.
Example:The safety checks passed without any issues.
jammers (n.)
Devices that block or interfere with wireless signals.
Example:The security team used jammers to prevent eavesdropping.
transparent (adj.)
Open and clear about actions or decisions, allowing insight.
Example:The company is transparent about its financial reports.
refused (v.)
To decline or reject an offer or request.
Example:She refused to sign the contract.
final (adj.)
Last or concluding in a series or process.
Example:The final exam will determine the course outcome.
probe (n.)
An investigation or inquiry into a matter.
Example:The media launched a probe into the scandal.
political (adj.)
Relating to the governance of a country or community.
Example:The debate had strong political implications.