The alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper has triggered nationwide outrage and intensified concerns over the integrity of India’s competitive examination system. The medical entrance examination, conducted on May 3 across the country, was attended by more than 22 lakh students. However, following allegations of a large-scale paper leak, authorities reportedly decided to cancel the examination.

The controversy has now expanded into a major multi-state investigation involving agencies from several parts of India. After multiple arrests and growing evidence of organized malpractice, the probe has reportedly been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Investigators are now trying to determine how the paper was leaked, who masterminded the operation, and how the question paper spread across different states before the examination took place.

How the Alleged Leak Began

According to investigators, the first known recipient of the leaked paper was allegedly a student from Churu, Rajasthan, who is currently pursuing MBBS studies in Kerala.

Authorities claim that a man named Rakesh Mandawaria, who reportedly runs “SK Consultancy” on Piprali Road in Sikar, Rajasthan, emerged as one of the key figures in the case.

Investigators allege that Rakesh obtained the question bank as early as April. Reports suggest the leaked material was allegedly supplied to him through the MBBS student based in Kerala.

How the Paper Spread Across States

According to the investigation, Rakesh Mandawaria allegedly shared the leaked paper among students staying in his PG accommodation. From there, the questions reportedly spread rapidly through WhatsApp and Telegram groups.

Authorities suspect the paper circulated among candidates in several states, including:

• Rajasthan
• Kerala
• Maharashtra
• Uttarakhand
• Bihar
• Haryana

Officials believe the leaked questions were being widely shared on messaging platforms days before the examination was conducted.

Maharashtra and Haryana Links Surface

Early findings reportedly revealed that an individual named Manish allegedly forwarded the leaked paper to contacts in Maharashtra, particularly in the Nashik region.

Investigators suspect the paper later spread from Maharashtra to multiple examination centers in Haryana. Similar links are also being examined in Uttarakhand, while probe agencies continue investigating possible Bihar connections.

The widening investigation has strengthened suspicions that the leak operated through an organized interstate network rather than isolated local activity.

How Investigators Identified the Main Accused

One of the most surprising developments in the case reportedly came after the examination ended, when Rakesh Mandawaria himself filed a police complaint.

During questioning, he allegedly disclosed the name of the MBBS student from Churu studying in Kerala. Rajasthan Police later questioned the student, who reportedly identified Manish as another major link in the chain.

This sequence of interrogations gradually helped investigators trace the alleged network involved in the paper leak operation.

Was the Paper Leaked Before Printing?

One of the most shocking claims emerging from the investigation is that parts of the paper may have been leaked even before the final printing stage.

According to sources linked to Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group (SOG):

• Around 90 Biology questions reportedly matched the final examination paper exactly
• Approximately 35 Chemistry questions were also allegedly identical to those in the actual exam

Investigators suspect that Manish, who was arrested in Jaipur, may have played a crucial role in this pre-printing leak.

Reports further claim that he operates a printing press, raising serious questions about how he may have gained access to sensitive examination material.

Money Trail Under Investigation

During questioning, several students reportedly admitted to paying money in exchange for access to the leaked paper. However, authorities have not yet officially disclosed the exact amounts allegedly involved.

Investigators are now focusing on tracing financial transactions, digital communications, and messaging groups that may have been used to distribute the paper before the exam.

NTA Informed About Security Breach

Following the emergence of these findings, officials reportedly informed the National Testing Agency that the integrity of the NEET-UG examination had been compromised.

The controversy has once again reignited debate over examination security, digital leaks, and accountability within India’s highly competitive education system.

For millions of students and families, the incident has become more than just an exam controversy—it has raised broader concerns about fairness, transparency, and trust in one of the country’s most important entrance examinations.