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Coaching Centres, Scanners, Shadow Server: Intricate Web Of NEET Leak
Investigators describe a sophisticated NEET-UG leak spanning Nashik to Sikar, using high-definition scanners, a shadow server, and a Telegram-WhatsApp network. Arrests have been made, the probe shifted to the CBI, and the exam was cancelled with plans to reorganise the test later.
Why It Matters
The incident raises questions about exam integrity and safeguarding of confidential test materials, impacting candidates and the credibility of national entrance examinations.
Timeline
18 Events
NEET-UG cancellation and future reorganisation
May 12, 2026
The NEET-UG exam was cancelled and the pre-medical test will be reorganised on a later date.
Probe handed to CBI
May 12, 2026
The Rajasthan SOG has handed over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation; all 15 accused will be handed over to the central agency.
Nashik Crime Branch arrests Shubham Khairnar
May 12, 2026
The Nashik Crime Branch arrested Shubham Khairnar, a BAMS student.
Mandwaria linked to Sikar consultancy centre
May 12, 2026
Rakesh Mandwaria is suspected of being linked with a consultancy centre in Sikar.
Arrests by Rajasthan SOG
May 12, 2026
Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested 15 people so far, including Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandwaria.
Match findings between leaked material and exam questions
May 12, 2026
All 90 questions of the biology paper matched those in the guess papers; 35 of 46 chemistry questions matched; in some cases language and punctuation were identical.
Aspirants receive PDFs and physical copies
May 12, 2026
Some NEET aspirants received PDF copies of the leaked papers, while others were given physical copies.
Sikar coaching institutes linked to 'guess papers' approach
May 12, 2026
Some coaching centres in Sikar allegedly had select students prepared for NEET using the 'guess papers'.
Papers distributed as 'guess papers'
May 12, 2026
The leaked papers were distributed in the guise of 'guess papers'.
Courier company employee suspected of aiding access to storage trunks
May 12, 2026
Investigators suspect an employee of a private courier company helped criminals gain access to storage trunks containing question papers for about 30 minutes.
Shadow server in Nashik used to hide data transfer
May 12, 2026
A shadow server in Nashik, based on a leased line from a small IT startup, was used to hide data transfers.
Network called Private Mafia under investigation
May 12, 2026
Authorities are probing a network called Private Mafia, described as a 400-member group intended to share leaked papers.
Scanning method used: high-definition portable scanners
May 12, 2026
Investigators say the papers were not scanned with mobile cameras; high-definition portable scanners were used, with distribution via Telegram and WhatsApp.
Leaked papers distributed from Sikar to Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar and Kerala
May 12, 2026
From Sikar, the leaked papers were sent to Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar and Kerala.
Leaked questions circulated from Nashik to Gurugram, then Jaipur and Sikar
May 12, 2026
From Nashik, the leaker questions reached Haryana's Gurugram, and were subsequently transported to Jaipur and then Sikar.
First digital copy prepared in Nashik; printed copy surfaced in local press
May 12, 2026
The first digital copy of the leaked NEET paper was prepared in Nashik, and a printed copy appeared in a local press thereafter.
Initial investigation findings on conspiracy
May 12, 2026
Initial investigation reveals an elaborate conspiracy allegedly hatched in Maharashtra's Nashik and fully operationalised in Rajasthan's Sikar, a major coaching hub.
NEET-UG exam conducted on May 3, 2026 and cancelled due to irregularities
May 3, 2026
The NEET-UG medical entrance exam was held on May 3, 2026 and subsequently cancelled by the National Testing Agency after reports of irregularities in the conduct of the exam.