New Delhi, May 18:
The investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has expanded into a large multi-state probe, with police and cyber agencies looking into suspected cheating networks operating through coaching centres, social media groups, and encrypted messaging platforms.
According to officials involved in the investigation, suspicious activities linked to the examination have surfaced in several states including Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Kerala. Cyber crime teams, local police units, and central agencies are now examining whether organized groups attempted to leak examination material or help candidates cheat through digital methods.
Investigators say several Telegram channels and private WhatsApp groups were allegedly being used to circulate so-called “original papers,” answer keys, and “VIP access” offers before the examination. In many cases, students were reportedly asked to pay large amounts of money in exchange for leaked PDFs or promises of guaranteed ranks.
Cyber intelligence teams are also investigating the role of middlemen who allegedly contacted students through social media platforms and coaching networks. Officials suspect that some accused individuals used fake identities, disposable mobile numbers, and encrypted messaging apps to avoid detection.
The probe has further highlighted concerns about modern cheating methods being used in competitive examinations. Investigators are checking whether Bluetooth devices, hidden earpieces, remote access applications, and solver candidates were used during the examination process. Authorities are also verifying reports related to fake Aadhaar cards and impersonation attempts at a few examination centres.
Police sources indicate that suspicious financial transactions linked to the racket are being tracked through UPI payments, digital wallets, bank transfers, and cash deposits. Some payments were allegedly routed through multiple accounts to hide the identity of the main operators.
In Maharashtra, one coaching institute operator was reportedly detained after investigators recovered suspected examination-related material from electronic devices during a forensic search operation. Similar raids and questioning are continuing in Rajasthan and Bihar, where previous examination fraud cases had also been reported.
Cyber forensic teams are now focusing on recovering deleted chats, tracing IP addresses, examining cloud backups, and analysing metadata from seized mobile phones and laptops. Officials say digital evidence is playing a key role in identifying communication chains and possible links between accused persons across different states.
Investigators are also monitoring dark web discussions, suspicious online forums, and social media activity connected to the alleged leak. Intelligence units believe several fake “paper leak” groups may also be targeting students through scams by collecting money without providing any genuine examination material.
Officials say the investigation is still underway and more arrests, raids, and digital seizures are expected in the coming days. Security agencies have meanwhile advised students and parents not to trust any social media claims regarding leaked examination papers and to immediately report suspicious online activity to cyber crime authorities.
