NEET 2026 Controversy: Guess Paper's Chemistry Questions Were an Exact Match With the Real Exam

A 100% MATCH of Chemistry questions in the ‘guess paper’ with the actual NEET paper is what led the National Testing Agency to look within and then zero in on the source pool of the leak. Based on its internal probe, the NTA referred the names of all Chemistry paper setters and translators to the Central Bureau of

A complete match between Chemistry questions in a "guess paper" and the actual NEET 2026 exam paper is what pushed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to launch an internal investigation. The probe eventually helped the agency identify the likely source of the leak.

Based on its findings, the NTA has shared the names of all Chemistry paper setters and translators with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further examination, according to sources familiar with the matter.

How the Leak Was Discovered

Sources say the trail began four days after the nationwide NEET exam held on May 3. On May 7, the NTA received an email from a whistleblower based in Sikar, Rajasthan. The whistleblower first flagged the leak through email and later shared a PDF of the leaked paper.

When the NTA compared the leaked document with the actual question paper, it found that 100% of the Chemistry questions had been leaked. Parts of the Biology paper were also found to be compromised.

NTA Changes All Paper Setters and Translators for June 21 Re-Exam

For the upcoming NEET re-exam on June 21, the NTA has replaced all question setters and translators — not just for Chemistry, but for Biology and Physics as well.

The agency is also revising its existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to strengthen the integrity of the exam process. "The timeline is very tight, with less than a month left for the pen-and-paper NEET exam on June 21," the source noted.

Tighter Security Measures Already in Place

Following recommendations from a committee set up in 2024, the NTA already has a security protocol for the question paper–setting stage. Papers are prepared in secure rooms with no internet access. Paper setters aren't allowed to carry cellphones or laptops into these rooms.

NTA Strengthening Its Leadership Team

The NTA is also working on building stronger institutional capacity. The agency has recently onboarded four senior officers — two at Joint Secretary rank and two at Joint Director rank.

It has also advertised for key professional roles, including a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and a General Manager for Human Resources. All three positions will report directly to the Director General.

The CTO, who could come from the private sector, will be responsible for building and managing the NTA's entire digital examination ecosystem. This includes everything from candidate registration and question paper management to evaluation, result processing, and overall system security.

Education Minister Reviews Re-Exam Preparations

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has held a review meeting on the June 21 re-exam. He's directed coordination meetings with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police across all states to ensure smooth monitoring and arrangements for the retest.

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