NEET 2026 Paper Leak: 'Private Mafia', 'REE NEET MAFIAA' Among Channels Selling Fake Papers, Says NTA

With the NEET UG 2026 re-examination approaching, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a strong warning against several Telegram channels that allegedly attempted to deceive students by offering fake question papers in exchange for money. The agency has identified channels operating under names such as "PAPER LEAKED NEET", "Re-NEET 2026", "Private Mafia", and "REE NEET MAFIAA", among others, which openly claimed to provide access to the re-examination paper before the test.

According to NTA, these channels targeted candidates and their families by promising confidential examination material and charging amounts ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs. The agency has categorically stated that no NEET question paper is available outside the secured examination process and that every such offer is fraudulent.

Telegram Channels Under Government Scanner

NTA said the channels were operating openly on Telegram and used names specifically designed to attract anxious students searching for information about the NEET UG 2026 re-test. By presenting themselves as sources of leaked papers, these groups allegedly attempted to convince candidates that they could obtain the examination paper before the scheduled test date.

Officials noted that the names themselves advertised the purpose of these channels, making them particularly appealing to students worried about the highly competitive examination.

Candidates Asked to Pay Thousands to Lakhs

According to the agency, operators of these Telegram channels demanded money in return for supposed access to the re-examination paper. The amounts reportedly varied from a few thousand rupees to several lakh rupees depending on the promises being made.

Authorities believe that many of these schemes were designed to exploit the stress and uncertainty surrounding the NEET re-examination. Students and parents were allegedly assured that they would receive confidential question papers or examination-related material before the test.

NTA has clarified that such promises have no basis in reality and should be treated as attempts to defraud candidates.

NTA: No Question Paper Exists Outside Secure System

Reiterating its position, the examination agency stated that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination paper remains protected within a highly secure examination chain.

According to NTA, no individual, coaching institute, social media account, Telegram channel, or online group has access to the question paper before the examination. The agency emphasized that any claim suggesting otherwise is false.

Officials have urged students not to trust individuals who claim to possess examination papers, answer keys, or other confidential material before the exam.

Why Authorities Are Concerned

The issue extends beyond simple misinformation. Authorities believe such channels can cause panic among candidates while simultaneously generating significant financial gains for fraudsters.

By creating the impression that question papers have been leaked, these groups may pressure students into making payments out of fear that others will gain an unfair advantage. Education officials say this tactic has become increasingly common during major competitive examinations.

The latest warning forms part of a broader effort to combat examination-related cybercrime and maintain public confidence in the testing process.

Government Tightens Action Against Exam Fraud

The warning comes amid intensified monitoring of online platforms ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21.

Government agencies have been tracking suspicious activities linked to fake paper leak claims and examination scams. Authorities have repeatedly advised students to rely only on official notifications issued by NTA and avoid information circulating through unverified social media channels.

Advice for NEET Aspirants

Candidates should remain cautious and follow a few basic precautions:

• Do not pay money for purported question papers.

• Ignore social media posts claiming access to leaked papers.

• Verify all exam-related information through official NTA channels.

• Report suspicious groups or individuals to cybercrime authorities.

• Focus on preparation rather than rumours circulating online.

The agency has once again reassured candidates that the integrity of the examination remains intact and that no authentic NEET question paper is available outside the official system.