NEET Re-Test Paper Leak Video Goes Viral, NTA Rejects Claim as ‘FAKE’

The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Centre have rejected claims of a NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination paper leak after a video allegedly showing the question paper being leaked on Telegram went viral on social media.

The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit on Monday termed the video fake, saying claims of a paper leak were “unfounded and false.”

“A video is being circulated on social media claiming that the NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Examination question paper was leaked on Telegram before the examination. This claim is FAKE,” PIB Fact Check said in a post on X.

NTA also issued a clarification, stating that the re-examination was conducted successfully under strict security arrangements and surveillance. The agency warned against spreading false information that could create panic among students and parents.

“Manufacturing and deliberately circulating such misinformation to defraud or alarm students is a serious offence,” NTA said, adding that it was working with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible.

The agency urged candidates and the public to rely only on official NTA platforms for updates and avoid sharing unverified content.

Over 20 lakh candidates appear for re-exam

According to NTA, more than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination across 5,440 centres in India and 14 centres abroad. The exam was conducted in 13 languages.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the examination was completed smoothly with full security measures in place.

“So far, we have not received any complaints regarding a question paper leak. NTA is working aggressively to ensure the integrity of the process,” Singh said.

He added that the evaluation process would begin soon and results would be announced faster than usual, with the entire exam cycle completed within 37 days.

NEET controversy and protests

The re-examination was ordered after allegations of a paper leak triggered a nationwide controversy and protests. Student groups and activists have demanded accountability from the government over the issue.

The controversy has also been linked to reports of student distress, including several suicide cases after the re-exam announcement.

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant from Hisar died by suicide on Sunday morning, hours before her scheduled exam. She was preparing in Sikar, Rajasthan, and was appearing for her third attempt.

Police officials said the circumstances behind her death were being investigated and it could not be confirmed whether exam-related stress was the reason.

The NTA has maintained that the re-examination process was conducted fairly and securely, while authorities continue efforts to stop the spread of misinformation.