Social media posts fake, question papers safe: NTA DG rejects re-NEET leak claims
New Delhi, June 19
Amid a surge of posts and videos circulating on social media claiming that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination paper has been leaked, National Testing Agency Director General Abhishek Singh has dismissed the claims as "fake" and asserted that question papers remain secure.
Nearly 23 lakh candidates are set to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday, June 21. In recent days, several social media users and anxious students have shared images and videos purportedly showing question papers, prompting widespread concern and calls for clarification from the NTA.
Responding to queries from ANI, Singh said, "They are fake, and question papers are safe."
The NTA, along with multiple government agencies, is working around the clock to counter fraudsters and scammers who are using fake question papers to deceive students and parents. As part of these efforts, the government has temporarily restricted access to Telegram, which was being misused in some cases to run such scams.
Earlier this week, Singh reiterated the agency's commitment to conducting an error-free examination on June 21.
The NTA has also intensified its outreach to candidates through social media, urging them not to fall prey to misinformation. On Friday, the agency said it is sending SMS, email, and WhatsApp reminders to candidates to download their admit cards for the re-examination.
It cautioned students against fraudulent messages and clarified that official communication will only come from the sender ID "NICPEP" and the email address "no-reply.neet.nta@nic.in". The agency emphasised that it will never seek payments, share question papers, or send admit cards through unofficial links. Candidates who have already downloaded their admit cards need not do so again.
"NTA is committed 100 per cent to ensuring that no malpractice takes place. Every question paper has been prepared in a completely secure manner. We have added multiple layers of security at every stage -- from setting and translation to printing, transportation, and storage," Singh said.
He added that the agency has coordinated with multiple ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitary forces, Department of Posts, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, as well as state governments and police.
"This is a commitment that India has made to its young minds. We will ensure that the examination is conducted in a flawless manner across all 5,000-plus centres in India and 14 centres abroad," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
But why was Telegram blocked? That seems like a drastic step. Instead of blocking platforms, why not just improve security at the source? Also, who are these scammers and why aren't they being caught?
I'm an aspiring doctor from Mumbai and this constant drama around NEET is exhausting. Every year there's some controversy. I hope NTA actually delivers on their promise this time. My whole future depends on this exam being fair. 😔
My daughter is appearing for the re-exam on Sunday. These fake social media posts only add to her stress. Parents are already worried enough about their children's future. NTA should also take strict action against those spreading such false information.
Okay but has NTA actually caught anyone yet? Or is it just statements? Beating around the bush won't help. Students need concrete action, not just press releases. Show us the arrests, show us the fake paper creators being punished.
I'm a doctor in the US now but I remember my NEET days. The system has improved but these constant hiccups don't inspire confidence. Students from India deserve better. At least they're coordinating with MHA and paramilitary this time - that's a positive step.
A Ashwin V Modiji and We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.