NEET-UG 2026: Bihar police arrest four for selling fake question papers to aspirants and their parents ahead of re-exam

NEET UG 2026: Bihar Police Arrest Four Over Fake Question Papers

Scandal Emerges as Re-Exam Date Nears

Theindiapostdaily.com – Following allegations of widespread exam malpractice, the Bihar Police have arrested four individuals for selling counterfeit question papers ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-exam. The arrests were made in Muzaffarpur district, where the suspects allegedly targeted aspiring medical students and their parents through social media platforms. This development has raised concerns about the integrity of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), a critical examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India.

NEET-UG 2026, originally scheduled for May 2026, has been postponed to June 21 after the recent scandal. The accused, who operated a clandestine network, reportedly used online transactions to collect money from students and their families in exchange for access to purportedly authentic exam materials. A senior police official, Senior Superintendent of Police Kantesh Kumar Mishra, confirmed that the suspects were actively deceiving candidates, promising guaranteed success through these fraudulent papers.

Operation Unveils Network of Malpractice

The operation revealed a coordinated effort to exploit the anxiety of exam candidates and their parents. According to preliminary reports, the arrested group had been selling the fake question papers for several weeks, targeting students in Muzaffarpur and nearby areas. Mishra stated that the suspects were using digital platforms to distribute these materials, which were claimed to be based on leaked exam content. The police also seized three mobile devices during the raid, which are believed to contain evidence linking the individuals to the scheme.

Manish Jha, a central figure in the conspiracy, was arrested on June 2 from Balu Ghat under Sikandarpur police station. Jha, along with three others, is alleged to have played a key role in orchestrating the distribution of the forged materials. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining payment records, communication logs, and potential accomplices. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter measures to prevent similar scams in future exams.

NTA’s Measures to Ensure Transparency

In response to the incident, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has pledged to enhance security protocols for the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during a visit to Bhopal, highlighted the NTA’s commitment to fairness, announcing that candidates would be granted an additional 15 minutes in the re-exam to compensate for any disruptions. This decision came after Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan convened a meeting with NTA officials and other stakeholders to evaluate the situation.

Somanathan emphasized the importance of a seamless and transparent exam process, urging all involved parties to work together to restore confidence in the system. The follow-up meeting on June 4, 2026, with state Chief Secretaries focused on addressing concerns and ensuring that the re-exam is conducted without any compromise to its integrity. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of introducing stricter verification processes for candidates to prevent fraudulent activities in the future.

“The NEET exam will be held again on June 21. Through all of you, I appeal to all NEET students: have faith and focus on your studies. The NEET exam will be conducted in a very organised manner on the 21st. I appeal to everyone through you; the cooperation of society is needed.”

Impact on Students and Public Trust

The arrests have sent a strong message to those involved in exam malpractice, but they also underscore the challenges faced by students preparing for the NEET-UG 2026. Many candidates, particularly those from rural areas, rely on such materials to boost their scores, and the scandal has left some families disillusioned. The incident has further intensified scrutiny on the NTA’s role in maintaining exam standards, with calls for greater accountability and oversight.

Experts warn that the sale of fake question papers could have a lasting impact on the perception of the NEET-UG 2026. “Such scams not only undermine the exam’s credibility but also create a sense of unfairness among students,” said a local education analyst. The police have urged parents to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any study materials they purchase. The ongoing investigation aims to identify all those involved and implement preventive measures to avoid future incidents.

With the re-exam set for June 21, the NTA has also announced plans to increase the number of examination centers and deploy additional monitoring teams. These steps are expected to mitigate any potential issues and ensure that the NEET-UG 2026 is conducted smoothly. As the final countdown begins, the focus remains on delivering a fair and reliable test for all aspirants.