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The controversy surrounding the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination has intensified after investigators reportedly traced the beginning of the alleged paper leak investigation to a WhatsApp message marked “Forwarded Many Times.”

The examination, conducted on May 3, 2026, has now been officially cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) following serious allegations related to leaked examination material and irregularities.

The Government of India has handed over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) continues uncovering details linked to the alleged circulation of a suspicious “guess paper.”

The incident has affected nearly 22 lakh students who appeared for one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations.

WhatsApp Message Became the First Major Clue

According to investigation inputs, authorities became suspicious after discovering a WhatsApp message carrying the tag:

“Forwarded Many Times”

Investigators reportedly believed this indicated that the material had spread widely across multiple users rather than remaining limited to a small private group.

The discovery triggered a deeper probe into:

• WhatsApp communication chains
• PDF circulation routes
• Coaching-linked networks
• Student groups
• Digital sharing patterns

Officials are now examining whether the material represented an actual paper leak or an illegally circulated set of genuine examination questions.

NTA Cancels NEET UG 2026 Examination

Following preliminary findings and inputs from investigative agencies, the NTA announced the cancellation of the May 3 examination.

According to the agency:

• A fresh NEET UG 2026 examination will now be conducted.
• New dates will be announced separately.
• The decision was taken to preserve fairness and public trust in national examinations.

The NTA also stated that it would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Alleged “Guess Paper” Under Investigation

According to Rajasthan SOG investigators, the controversy revolves around a 150-page PDF document allegedly containing more than 400 questions.

Investigators claim that:

• Around 120 questions from the actual NEET UG Chemistry section allegedly matched the document.
• The material had reportedly circulated among students weeks before the examination.
• Both digital and printed versions may have been distributed.

Authorities are now trying to determine whether the material was:

• A highly accurate coaching prediction set
  or
• Evidence of organized leakage of actual exam content

The investigation remains ongoing, and no final conclusion has yet been officially confirmed.

Rajasthan’s Sikar District at the Centre of Investigation

Investigators say Rajasthan’s Sikar district has emerged as a major focal point in the probe.

Sikar is widely known as a coaching hub for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE.

According to investigators:

• The alleged “guess paper” was reportedly linked to networks operating from Sikar.
• The material allegedly spread to:
  • Churu
  • Dehradun
  • Other connected regions

Police suspect the content may have circulated through coaching circles, students, and private accommodation networks.

Investigators Examine Alleged Role of Rakesh Mandawaria

According to investigation reports, a person identified as Rakesh Mandawaria is being examined as a possible key figure connected to the circulation network.

Investigators claim the alleged material may have been distributed through channels associated with him.

However, authorities have not officially declared anyone guilty, and the investigation is continuing under multiple agencies.

MBBS Student Also Comes Under Scanner

Investigators are also examining the alleged involvement of an MBBS student originally from Rajasthan’s Churu district and currently studying in Kerala.

According to reports:

• The PDF allegedly reached the student through Sikar-linked contacts.
• The material later spread further through WhatsApp groups and private digital channels.

Authorities are conducting forensic analysis of:

• Chat histories
• Shared files
• Devices
• Communication records

to trace the full route of circulation.

PG Owner Who Filed Complaint Now Under Suspicion

Another surprising twist in the investigation involves a paying guest (PG) operator who had initially approached police with information about the alleged leak.

Investigators now reportedly suspect that:

• The individual may himself have been involved in the wider circulation network.
• The complaint could have been filed strategically to avoid suspicion or future arrest.

Officials are continuing to interrogate multiple suspects connected to student housing and coaching-linked accommodation facilities.

More Than Two Dozen People Questioned

According to investigation sources:

• More than two dozen individuals have already been detained or questioned.
• Those under investigation reportedly include:
  • Students
  • Career counsellors
  • Coaching-linked individuals
  • Accommodation operators

Authorities are also tracing financial transactions and digital evidence connected to the alleged network.

Political Reactions Intensify

The controversy has now triggered strong political reactions as well.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reportedly accused the state government of attempting to suppress the matter for nearly two weeks.

Political leaders from multiple parties have demanded:

• Stronger exam security
• Faster investigation
• Accountability for officials involved
• Major reforms in national examination systems

NTA Says Exam Integrity Was Top Priority

In its official statement, the NTA said the cancellation decision was taken after examining information shared by law enforcement agencies and central investigative bodies.

According to the agency:

• Continuing with the current examination process would not have been appropriate.
• Protecting trust in national examinations was the primary concern.

The agency also emphasized that the decision was approved by the Government of India.

Massive Impact on Medical Aspirants

The cancellation has left lakhs of students facing uncertainty regarding:

• Admission timelines
• Preparation schedules
• Mental stress
• Academic planning

Many students had prepared for years for the examination and are now forced to prepare again for the upcoming re-test.

At the same time, many student groups have supported the decision, saying a fresh examination is necessary to ensure fairness for honest candidates.

Debate Over Digital Exam Security Intensifies

The latest controversy has once again raised serious questions regarding:

• Competitive exam security
• Coaching industry influence
• Digital leak networks
• Encrypted messaging platforms
• Examination logistics

Experts are now demanding advanced reforms such as:

• End-to-end encrypted paper systems
• Real-time leak monitoring
• AI-based digital surveillance
• Stronger cyber investigation mechanisms
• Stricter regulation of coaching-linked networks

As the CBI investigation progresses, authorities are expected to uncover more details regarding how the alleged material circulated and whether organized criminal networks compromised one of India’s most important entrance examinations.

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