As we prepare for NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, NTA takes an intensified stance against misinformation, cheating and fraud on social media and messaging sites. The NTA has been concerned that several Telegram channels and groups have been spreading false claims (e.g., about leaked question papers, an advanced understanding of exam material, or the sale of confidential documents to anxious students, among others).
This is an attempt by the NTA to regain confidence in a critical entrance exam of one of the most important entrance exams in India after the NEET UG 2026 exam was cancelled.
The NTA has repeatedly warned students not to refer to leaked question papers for the upcoming re-examination as fake and misleading, it says, and to the candidates and their families. The agency says those cheating networks are using the tension surrounding the re-exam to create fake advertisements and posts to offer students access to classified examination materials for money.
Some Telegram channels of NEET UG 2026 question papers for sale are being reported to the authorities. To this end, the NTA says it is now taking action to identify and report such channels, accounts, and content to cybercrime agencies and platform administrators as soon as possible. The NTA also said it has mechanisms in place to guarantee that the process of eligibility, quality and security of the examination is fair and secure for all candidates in the country.
Some social media users had flagged Telegram groups that had already claimed to sell re-examination papers before the June 21 test. Based on the complaints, the NTA referred the matter to cybercrime authorities for verification and as such, action. The fact that a channel says it is claiming to have examination papers does not mean the information is true, officials said. The investigation is in progress to determine the validity of such claims and to know who is spreading misinformation.
In addition to monitoring online platforms, the NTA has launched a dedicated portal where students and the public can confidentially report fake paper leak claims, impersonation attempts, and suspicious activities related to the examination. The initiative is aimed at improving transparency and ensuring that credible information reaches authorities quickly. Candidates are advised to report any suspicious messages rather than forward them on social media.
The re-examination comes just two weeks after the original NEET UG 2026 exam was cancelled on May 3 because of concerns about the examination process. The NTA then issued a new examination and introduced several additional security measures: enhanced monitoring, staff training, and tighter procedures at examination centres.
Education professionals have recommended that students focus on preparation instead of speculation on the internet. Fake paper leak scammers target stressed candidates and potentially cause financial loss as well as anxiety, and fake paper leak scams are usually the cause of stress, they add. The NTA has said the official information on NEET UG 2026 will only be released through approved channels of communication and the website of the organisation. The candidates are therefore advised to follow only accurate information and not to look for unverified social media content.
As the examination date approaches, officials are monitoring digital platforms closely. The investigation of misleading Telegram channels is part of a wider strategy to protect NEET UG 2026 re-exam’s credibility and fairness, and for all candidates to be treated equally.
