The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police has detained more than 20 individuals in connection with suspected malpractice in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. This action follows inputs received by the National Testing Agency (NTA) from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand regarding question sets that were circulated before the May 3 exam, allegedly bearing striking similarities to the actual paper.
Summoning of Former RPSC Official
SOG has summoned former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member and acting chairman Shiv Singh Rathore for questioning. This development comes a day after the agency arrested three persons, including former RPSC member Babulal Katara, in connection with the alleged leak of the Agriculture Science paper of the 2022 School Lecturer Recruitment Examination.
Preliminary Stage of Investigation
SOG officials have clarified that the probe is currently at a preliminary stage. No First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet, and no arrests have been made in this specific case. A senior SOG official informed the Times of India that Rathore has been asked to appear before the agency for questioning related to the RPSC recruitment examination. However, the exact date of his appearance has not been confirmed.
Details of the Question Leak
According to SOG officials, a set of over 400 questions was circulated days before the exam. Among these, more than 100 biology and chemistry questions showed striking similarities to those in NEET 2026. Anand Srivastava, Director General of SOG and ATS, stated, “So far, it has been found that only 25% of the questions in the ‘guess paper’ or test materials circulated before the NEET exam showed striking similarities to the actual exam questions. It has also been found that the guess paper reached Sikar from Kerala, and inquiries in Kerala revealed that it was sent from Dehradun. However, nothing has been conclusively established yet.”
Searches and Digital Trails
Searches were conducted in Sikar and other parts of Rajasthan, as well as in Dehradun. Investigators are tracing the origin of the question set, including who prepared it, how it circulated, and whether money changed hands. “The primary probe showed that questions related to the biology and chemistry sections have been found to overlap with the set of questions that were shared before the exam,” an official said.
Key Suspect and Digital Evidence
Among those being questioned is a suspect who allegedly had the question set on April 30, three days before the exam. Investigators are also examining digital trails, communication records, and possible links involving coaching operators and intermediaries. When asked about arrests, Vishal Bansal, ADG of SOG and ATS, said, “Investigation is in preliminary stage, and no arrests have been made so far.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the malpractice and bring those responsible to justice.
