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The Sikar Spark: How A Chemistry Teacher Exposed The 2026 NEET Leak
A chemistry teacher from Sikar exposed a leaked NEET UG 2026 paper after cross-checking a viral copy with the original. The ensuing investigations led to CBI involvement, multiple interrogations, and arrests, with a plan for a re-conduct of the exam.
Why It Matters
The timeline illustrates how a paper leak triggered a nationwide investigation, highlighting exam security measures and the process for retesting in a high-stakes medical entrance.
Timeline
10 Events
May 14, 2026 — Registration data carried forward to reconducted exam
May 14, 2026
The NTA clarified that registration data and candidature from the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the reconducted examination.
May 14, 2026 — NTA plans re-exam timeline
May 14, 2026
NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the schedule for the re-examination would be announced within the next seven to ten days, with the aim to conduct the exam at the earliest.
May 14, 2026 — CBI arrests five people connected to the case
May 14, 2026
The CBI arrested five people—Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal and Dinesh Biwal from Jaipur; Yash Yadav from Gurugram; and Shubham Khairnar from Nashik—and conducted searches at multiple locations across the country.
May 12, 2026 — NEET UG 2026 cancelled due to leak allegations
May 12, 2026
The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET UG 2026 exam on May 12 after allegations of a paper leak, stating that the security protocol had been in place.
May 7, 2026 — SOG and Sikar Police question whistleblower
May 7, 2026
Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Sikar Police questioned the whistleblower as part of the investigation.
May 7, 2026 — MHA team arrives; official statement recorded
May 7, 2026
A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs arrived in Sikar and the whistleblower's official statement was recorded; he handed over the files related to the viral paper and other evidence.
May 6, 2026 — Immediate follow-up calls from NTA DG and CBI
May 6, 2026
Within hours of sending the complaint, the Director General of the NTA, Abhishek Singh, and officials from the CBI contacted him seeking information.
May 6, 2026 — Whistleblower emails complaint to MHA and NTA
May 6, 2026
The whistleblower sent a detailed complaint via email to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and to the National Testing Agency.
May 3, 2026 — NEET UG 2026 exam conducted; leaked copy cross-checked
May 3, 2026
The NEET UG 2026 examination was held. A whistleblower from Sikar reviewed a viral copy of the exam paper and found that 45 Chemistry questions matched the original paper; 90 questions in the Chemistry section were identical to the actual exam.
Background: 2024 NEET leak and CBI transfer
2024
In 2024, the NEET paper was leaked and FIRs were registered across six states; the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).