New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has firmly denied rumours of a paper leak for the upcoming NEET UG 2026, urging candidates to remain calm and not fall prey to misinformation circulating on social media.
The national-level medical entrance examination is scheduled to be held on May 3, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM across the country. Addressing growing concerns, the NTA clarified that all question papers and confidential materials have been securely transported to designated centres, leaving no scope for any leak or early access.
In an official statement, the agency categorically described the viral claims as 'baseless' and 'misleading'. It noted that rumours spreading through platforms such as Telegram and other social media channels are part of hoax campaigns aimed at creating panic among students.
'NTA has ensured that there is no possibility of paper leaks or early access,' the agency stated, adding that strict protocols are in place to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Candidates have been advised not to engage with or believe unverified claims and instead rely only on official sources for updates. The agency has also warned that legal action will be taken against those found spreading false information.
The NTA has urged aspirants and parents to actively report any suspicious messages or claims related to the examination. Such incidents can be reported to cybersecurity authorities or directly to the agency for prompt action.
Officials emphasised that tackling misinformation is crucial to ensuring a stress-free environment for lakhs of students preparing for one of the country's most competitive examinations.
This year, NEET UG 2026 will be conducted at hundreds of examination centres across India, with authorities taking extensive measures to ensure smooth and fair conduct.
In Gurugram alone, 875 candidates are expected to appear at 18 examination centres. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonu Bhatt, all necessary arrangements, including basic facilities and traffic management, have been put in place to avoid inconvenience to candidates.
Officials across states have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and adhere to standard operating procedures to ensure the examination is conducted without disruptions.
In addition to addressing the paper leak rumours, the NTA has also issued a detailed advisory regarding biometric verification, which is mandatory for all candidates before entering the examination hall.
The agency clarified that in case of biometric failure, candidates will still be allowed to appear for the examination under specific conditions.
If biometric verification cannot be completed due to reasons such as device malfunction, poor-quality biometric data, connectivity issues with UIDAI servers, or physical inability, candidates will not be denied entry. However, they will be required to submit a written undertaking at the examination centre in a prescribed format.
This provision ensures that genuine candidates are not disadvantaged due to technical glitches or unforeseen circumstances.
The NTA has also assured candidates that biometric procedures will not disrupt the examination once it begins. The exam will be conducted from 2 PM to 5 PM, and candidates will not be interrupted during this period.
For candidates under the PwD/PwBD category, the exam duration may extend up to 6 PM, as per guidelines. Authorities have been instructed to complete all verification processes efficiently to avoid delays.
The agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in the examination process. With multiple safeguards in place, including secure logistics and strict monitoring, the NTA aims to conduct NEET UG 2026 without any irregularities.
The clarification comes at a time when concerns over exam integrity have been heightened due to previous controversies, making it essential for authorities to reinforce trust among candidates.
With the NTA firmly rejecting paper leak rumours and issuing clear guidelines on biometric verification, candidates can focus on their preparations without unnecessary anxiety. Authorities have emphasised vigilance, transparency, and strict enforcement to ensure that NEET UG 2026 is conducted in a secure and fair manner across all centres.