NEET UG 2026 under investigation: NTA flags alleged malpractice, says central agencies examining inputs

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Sunday publicly acknowledged reports of alleged irregularities linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 and confirmed that inputs related to suspected malpractice had already been escalated to central agencies for investigation.

The development follows action initiated by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), triggering fresh scrutiny over the integrity of one of India’s largest and most competitive entrance examinations.

In an official statement issued on X, the NTA maintained that the NEET UG examination conducted on May 3 was held under “full security protocol” across all centres and stressed that the agency would not speculate on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.

NTA details multi-layer security measures

Amid rising concern among medical aspirants and parents, the testing agency outlined the extensive security architecture deployed during the examination process.

According to the NTA, question papers were transported in GPS-tracked vehicles carrying unique watermark identifiers designed to ensure traceability. Examination centres were monitored through AI-assisted CCTV surveillance linked to a central control room.

The agency further stated that biometric verification was mandatory for every candidate and that 5G jammers were operational at centres to prevent digital malpractice and unauthorised communication.

The statement appeared aimed at reinforcing the agency’s claim that robust safeguards had been implemented during the conduct of the examination.

Inputs on suspected malpractice shared on May 8

The NTA disclosed that it received inputs concerning alleged malpractice activity on May 7, four days after the examination was conducted.

“These inputs were escalated by NTA to central agencies on the morning of 8 May 2026 for independent verification and necessary action,” the agency said to ANI.

While the NTA did not disclose the precise nature of the alleged irregularities, the confirmation that central agencies are now involved has intensified attention around the examination process.

The Rajasthan SOG’s intervention has further amplified concerns, especially given the history of controversies surrounding high-stakes recruitment and entrance examinations across the country.

“NTA will not pre-judge the inquiry”

In its statement, the agency maintained a cautious stance and said the investigation remains ongoing. “NTA will not pre-judge the inquiry, nor characterise its likely outcome. Whatever the agencies determine -- including findings that may require further action -- will be examined transparently and disclosed in keeping with established procedure,” the agency said.

The wording reflects the sensitivity surrounding NEET UG, an examination that directly impacts the academic future of lakhs of students seeking admission to medical colleges across India. Any allegation linked to the examination process often triggers widespread public concern, given the intense competition and limited number of MBBS seats nationwide.

NEET UG among India’s most high-stakes examinations

NEET UG serves as the single-window entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, and allied medical programmes across India.

With millions of candidates appearing annually, the examination remains one of the most high-pressure academic tests in the country. Any controversy linked to its conduct carries significant implications for students, institutions, and the broader credibility of the examination system.

As investigative agencies continue their probe into the alleged irregularities, candidates and families across the country are expected to closely track further developments in the coming days.

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