The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation has now taken a major turn, with probe agencies suspecting that the alleged leak route may have originated from Maharashtra’s Nashik before spreading across multiple states.
According to investigation inputs accessed by agencies, the suspected question paper trail reportedly moved from Nashik to Haryana, then to Jaipur, Jamwa Ramgarh, and Rajasthan’s Sikar – which investigators believe later became the biggest distribution hub for the leaked material.
However, officials have not yet confirmed that the leak started in Maharashtra. What investigators currently suspect is that Nashik may have been an early transit point in the chain through which the paper allegedly circulated nationwide.
Gold Rate
May 11- 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Rajasthan’s Sikar Became Main Distribution Hub
Sources involved in the probe claim that the largest circulation of the alleged paper happened in Sikar, Rajasthan. Over the last few years, Sikar has emerged as a major coaching destination for NEET and engineering aspirants after Kota.
Investigators suspect that students were allegedly given “guess papers” and told that the same questions would appear in the exam. The shocking part, according to probe agencies, is that all 90 Biology questions and all 45 Chemistry questions are believed to have reached select candidates before the examination.
If verified, agencies say this would amount to a direct paper leak rather than a simple prediction or guess paper case.
Up To 600 Marks Advantage Suspected
According to investigation findings, nearly 140 questions reportedly matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 examination paper. Since every question carries four marks, agencies suspect some candidates may have gained an unfair advantage of nearly 600 marks.
Education experts say a few matching questions in coaching material is common, but such a large-scale match cannot be treated as coincidence.
Delhi Call Triggered Circulation?
Another major angle under investigation involves phone calls allegedly made to students before the examination. Sources claim that some candidates received calls saying, “Paper aa gaya hai” (the paper has arrived).
Investigators suspect the calls originated from Delhi, after which rapid circulation allegedly began in Sikar and other locations. Initially, the material was reportedly sold for lakhs of rupees, but as the exam date came closer, students themselves allegedly began reselling it for amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000.
Maharashtra Connection Deepens
The Nashik route has now become an important focus area for investigators. Agencies are examining whether the paper may have leaked from the printing, transport, or distribution system before reaching coaching networks.
The probe is also looking into links involving coaching operators, MBBS counselling agents, hostel networks, encrypted messaging apps, and financial transactions across states.
CBI Takes Over Investigation
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now leading the probe, while Rajasthan ATS-SOG continues to share intelligence and digital evidence.
Authorities are analysing WhatsApp chats, encrypted app communications, bank transfers, call records, and digital trails to uncover how the alleged network operated.
22 Lakh Students Affected
NEET remains India’s largest medical entrance examination, with nearly 22 lakh students appearing this year. Following the controversy and cancellation of the May 3 examination, students and parents across the country have expressed anger and frustration over the alleged breach.
The biggest question now remains unanswered – did the leak truly begin from Maharashtra, or was Nashik only one stop in a much larger nationwide network? Investigators are expected to reveal more details in the coming days.
