Viral NEET-UG 2026 OMR answer sheets are fabricated; genuine records show no discrepancy: NTA
New Delhi, July 20
The National Testing Agency on Monday dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging discrepancies in the OMR answer sheets of certain candidates who appeared for the NEET 2026 examination, asserting that the results declared are accurate and that the images being shared are digitally manipulated.
In a statement, the NTA said it had taken note of images of OMR answer sheets being circulated online as the "correct" records of certain candidates to support claims that their declared results were incorrect.
"It has come to the notice of the National Testing Agency that images of OMR answer sheets, said to be the 'correct' record of certain candidates who appeared in NEET (UG) 2026, are being circulated on social media in support of claims that the results declared against those candidates are wrong," the statement said.
The agency said it had verified the records in all such cases and found that, without exception, the results were consistent with the original records maintained by the NTA.
According to the statement, the genuine OMR answer sheet of every candidate bears the correct roll number, test booklet number, answer sheet barcode and serial number, test booklet code, and the candidate's handwritten details, along with the signatures and thumb impression of the candidate and two invigilators.
The agency added that these records were made available to candidates through their registered email addresses and the candidate portal.
"The score declared against every such candidate is fully consistent with that OMR answer sheet, the official answer key notified for NEET (UG) 2026, and the calculation sheet on file. There is no evaluation error," the NTA said.
The examination body further stated that the images being circulated on social media are not documents issued by the NTA but are digitally altered versions of genuine OMR answer sheets.
"The alterations observed in the cases examined range from the introduction of additional response markings to the alteration of names and of the authenticated signature time of an invigilator, amongst others," the statement said.
The NTA warned that the creation, submission or circulation of fabricated or forged OMR answer sheets constitutes a cognisable offence under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and may also attract penal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The agency advised candidates with genuine grievances to follow the procedure outlined in its public notice dated July 20, 2026, available on the NTA website.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate NTA's transparency but the fact that these manipulated images are circulating shows how desperate some people are. Instead of blaming the system, students should focus on re-evaluating their preparation. NEET is a national-level exam, not a local school test. If you have genuine doubts, use the official process, not WhatsApp forwards! 📱
I understand student frustration but spreading fake OMR sheets is not the solution. NTA should also improve its grievance redressal system to make it more accessible for rural students. Maybe set up district-level verification camps? We need trust in our examination system for the future of Indian healthcare. My daughter is preparing for NEET and such rumours create unnecessary panic.
The NTA's statement seems thorough - they've verified each case and found no errors. But I'm concerned about how easily these fake images spread. Social media platforms should take responsibility too. Also, the new anti-cheating law is strict but necessary. Students should know that fabricating documents is a serious crime, not just a prank. Stay honest, work hard. 💪
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.