NEET-UG 2026 paper leak originated from Nashik, ‘guess paper’ reached coaching hub Sikar via Haryana: Rajasthan SOG

The alleged NEET-UG examination 2026 paper leak originated from Maharashtra’s Nashik and a Haryana resident had sent the “guess paper” to Rajasthan’s coaching hub Sikar before the May 3 examination, Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) IG Ajay Pal Lamba said on Tuesday.

Addressing mediapersons in Jaipur, IG Lamba said that police teams from several districts, along with the SOG, questioned more than 150 NEET UG aspirants, their friends and family members who were suspected of receiving the “guess paper”.

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He said that Nashik resident Shubham Khairnar sent the “guess paper” to a Haryana resident, who then forwarded it several aspirants in Sikar, a coaching hub in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region.

“After questioning more than 150 aspirants, their friends and their parents, it became clear that the paper was sent to Rajasthan, before the exams, by a resident of Haryana. Upon questioning him, it was found that the paper came to him from Nashik, Maharashtra,” he said.

The SOG shared this information with the National Testing Agency and the examination was subsequently cancelled, with re-exam dates yet to be announced.

The government handed over the investigation to the CBI and based on the inputs of the Rajasthan SOG, the main accused was arrested from Nasik.

A four-member CBI team reached Nashik earlier in the day and took the custody of Khairnar from the Crime Branch.

Lamba also said that, based on the investigation so far, no links have emerged between the present case and gangs previously involved in exam paper leaks in Rajasthan.

“Nashik has been found to be the origin. Further investigation will reveal more details,” Lamba added.