Ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam, paper setters placed under strict isolation

New Delhi: Ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, authorities have placed all experts involved in preparing the question paper under strict isolation at a secure, undisclosed location as part of an extensive security exercise following this year's paper leak controversy.

According to officials, paper setters, moderators, translators, and other personnel linked to the confidential stages of question paper preparation have been kept under continuous supervision till the end of the re-examination.

Mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches and other communication devices have reportedly been banned inside the facility, while internet access and outside contact have been heavily restricted. Entry and exit movements are being closely monitored, and only authorised officials are being allowed inside the premises.

Also read- NEET 2026 anger reaches Jantar mantar, Protesters demand education minister's resignation

The strict measures have been taken following the alleged paper leak during the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3. The NEET UG 2026 exam was conducted on May 3 by the National Testing Agency and was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in pen-and-paper mode. Over 22.7 lakh aspirants appeared for the examination this year. It took place across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering over 5,400 centres.

However, the NTA on May 12, 2026, declared the cancellation of the examination held on May 3 and subsequently announced the re-examination on June 21, 2026.

This came in the backdrop of the probe by the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group, which reportedly found a “guess paper” containing more than 100 questions similar to those asked in the NEET UG examination. The question paper series under scrutiny has been described as a “guess paper” which reportedly contained around 410 questions. Out of these, nearly 120 questions are alleged to have appeared in the Biology and Chemistry sections of the examination.

As an aftermath of the exam cancellation, protests were held, with aspirants and members of the medical fraternity blaming NTA and the Education Ministry for this failure.

Due to the alleged controversy, the central government decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. Based on the centre's direction, the CBI registered an FIR in the case and has so far arrested 13 people.

The June 21 re-examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5.15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.

Speaking to TOI, the officials said "Every stage of the examination cycle from question paper development and translation to moderation, printing, packaging, storage, transportation and distribution is now being subjected to enhanced oversight. The entire process has been compartmentalised to ensure that no single individual or group has access to the complete chain of operations."

Transportation of question papers has also emerged as a major focus area this time. Sources said the government has explored the use of Indian Air Force aircraft for the secure movement of exam material across different parts of the country.

In the digital domain, authorities are conducting “round-the-clock monitoring of social media platforms, messaging applications and online forums to identify fake question papers, misinformation campaigns and suspicious activity”.

NEET re exam paper leak?

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that fresh racketeers have emerged online claiming to provide “re-exam question papers” and “guaranteed scores” in exchange for hefty payments ahead of the re-examination on June 21 amid the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation.

Several private channels operating on social media platforms are allegedly targeting anxious students and parents, promising access to leaked papers and high marks. Following this, Ahmedabad-based activist Thaker approached cybercrime police and submitted a complaint seeking an investigation into whether these groups actually possess genuine exam material or are cheating desperate aspirants by making false promises.

According to the complaint, many of these channels frequently change their usernames and allow entry to members only through referrals to avoid detection. This alleged racket reportedly operates through multiple channels on a social media platform.

Thakar alleged that the operators charge between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1 lakh to provide the NEET re-exam question paper. In some cases, they are demanding payments up to Rs 20 lakh for top scores of 620+ out of 700, he said.

Apart from this, a social media user on X also alleged that several Telegram channels are claiming to sell 'RE-NEET 2026 question papers.' The user alleged that multiple Telegram pages, allegedly managed by one person, were offering question paper links related to the re-examination.

Responding to the complaint on X, the National Testing Agency previously stated, "These are being reported to CyberCrime for verification and action."

However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has now issued a clarification, dismissing the rumours. The agency on Saturday dismissed the allegation as "false" and "fraudulent" claims circulating on social media about alleged leak or sale of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination question paper and warned of strict action against those spreading such content.

In a statement on X, the agency said messages claiming a "leak", advance access or "sale" of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination paper were aimed at misleading students and parents.

Also read- NEET 2026 re-exam paper leak claims FALSE, Fraudulent: NTA warns of strict action