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The inquiry into the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination is increasingly focusing on Rajasthan, where investigators are revealing details about a suspected network involved in leaking examination papers linked to the state's coaching industry.

Recent findings from the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) indicate that a so-called 'guess paper' circulated among students prior to the May 3 exam, which closely resembled the actual Chemistry section of the test.

Authorities are now investigating whether this distribution was a mere coincidence or part of a larger organized scheme involving leaked exam materials.

Sikar District: A Central Focus

The alleged network is believed to have strong ties to Sikar district in Rajasthan, a prominent hub for NEET and JEE coaching.

According to the SOG's findings:

• The 'guess paper' reportedly spread from Sikar to various districts, including:




• Churu


• Jhunjhunu


• Dehradun in Uttarakhand




• Printed copies were distributed to select students.


• Digital versions circulated rapidly through private messaging groups.

Officials suspect that this document reached students weeks ahead of the examination.

Significant Similarities Found

One of the most alarming claims in the investigation is the reported similarity between the circulated material and the actual exam paper.

Investigators have noted that:

• The 'guess paper' contained approximately 410 questions across nearly 150 pages.


• About 120 questions matched the actual Chemistry section of NEET UG 2026 almost identically.

Authorities are currently trying to ascertain:

• If these similarities were coincidental


• If actual exam content was leaked prior


• How the material disseminated so widely before the exam

The investigation is ongoing, and no final conclusions regarding confirmed paper leakage have been released.

Rakesh Mandawaria Under Investigation

Preliminary investigations have identified Rakesh Mandawaria as a potential key player in the alleged network.

Reports indicate he runs an organization named:

• SK Consultancy


• Located on Piprali Road in Sikar district

Investigators believe the 'guess paper' may have circulated through networks associated with this consultancy and related coaching circles.

Sources suggest that:

• The PDF version of the material may have originated from Sikar.


• Some individuals may have received the document as early as April 2026.


• Digital distribution later expanded through various communication channels.

However, no official charges have been made as the investigation continues.

MBBS Student from Rajasthan Also Investigated

Authorities are also looking into the involvement of an MBBS student from Rajasthan, currently studying in Kerala.

According to investigation reports:

• The student allegedly obtained the PDF from contacts in Sikar.


• This material may have circulated through WhatsApp groups and private messaging platforms.

Investigators have discovered several chat records labeled:

“Forwarded many times”

This raises suspicions about the widespread circulation of the material prior to the exam date.

Forensic analysis of digital devices, chats, and communication records is currently underway.

High Payments for Access to Material

Investigators claim that some candidates or intermediaries paid substantial sums for access to the suspected materials.

Reports indicate that:

• Initial prices reached as high as ₹5 lakh.


• As the exam date approached, prices reportedly dropped significantly.


• Some sources suggest the material was later sold for around ₹30,000.

Authorities are tracing financial transactions, digital payments, communication patterns, and connections within the coaching network to assess the scale of the alleged operation.

15 Individuals Detained So Far

Investigation agencies have detained at least 15 individuals in connection with this case.

The detained individuals are reportedly from:

• Rajasthan


• Uttarakhand


• Other related regions

Investigators are questioning multiple suspects about:

• Distribution channels


• Financial transactions


• Student connections


• Coaching affiliations

Reports also mention that a person named Manish from Jaipur was recently taken in for questioning as part of the broader investigation.

NTA Cancels Exam Amid Rising Pressure

The National Testing Agency (NTA) decided to cancel the NEET UG 2026 examination on May 3 due to increasing public outcry and preliminary findings from the investigation.

The examination had taken place at:

• 5,432 examination centers


• With nearly 22.79 lakh candidates participating

The agency emphasized that preserving the integrity of national examinations was paramount over proceeding with a potentially compromised test.

Students will be required to take a new examination on dates that will be announced later.

CBI Investigation Set to Broaden

With the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now officially involved, the inquiry is expected to delve into:

• Interstate coaching networks


• Digital circulation of exam papers


• Organized cheating syndicates


• Financial transactions


• Security systems for question papers

This case is rapidly evolving into one of the most significant examination controversies in recent years.

Intensified Debate Over Coaching Ecosystem

This controversy has reignited a national discussion regarding the influence of coaching networks and underground exam-solving systems surrounding major competitive examinations.

Experts are calling for enhanced safeguards, including:

• Improved cyber monitoring


• End-to-end encrypted question paper systems


• Stricter regulations for coaching institutes


• Advanced digital surveillance


• Real-time leak detection technologies

As investigations progress, authorities are expected to uncover further details about how the alleged materials were disseminated and whether organized criminal networks played a role in compromising one of India's most critical entrance examinations.