The probe into the leak of the question paper for the NEET (UG) 2026 exam points fingers at a Rajasthan-based consultant who allegedly received the question papers as early as April. Rakesh Mandawaria, who runs SK Consultancy on Piprali Road in Sikar, had an important role in spreading the NEET UG 2026 question paper, according to reports.
Initial investigation revealed that Mandawaria may have received the question bank in April. These questions were then taught in several coaching institutes in Sikar, labelled as ‘guess paper’. But the students were encouraged to focus on the paper, stating, “This is what you’ll get”.
It is alleged that he sold the paper for ₹30,000 to a friend, who is said to be an MBBS student in Kerala. The investigation has also revealed connections to Rajasthan, Kerala, and Delhi. Both online and printed versions were shared with students.
Rajasthan Police Additional Director General Vishal Bansal told reporters that the investigation is centred on the ‘guess paper’ that had 410 questions, out of which more than 120 were from Chemistry.
According to investigating officials of the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), the alleged question paper was initially sold for up to Rs 5,00,000. However, as the exam date approached, the material began to circulate at lower prices and was sold for Rs 30,000 on the night before the exam. “It is reported that this guess paper had been circulating among the students well in advance. It began reaching them as early as 15 days to a month prior to the actual examination. We are investigating on the basis of the guess paper, and it is also available in the open domain."
“Our investigation is currently focused on determining whether any cheating or criminal activity has occurred based on this guess paper," Bansal added.
The SOG investigation has found several mobile phones with the relevant document labeled "Forwarded Many Times." The investigating agencies believe this indicates that the material was shared widely.
There are also reports that a WhatsApp group called ‘Private Mafia’ existed, which had more than 400 members. The group description clearly mentioned that its only purpose was to share leaked question banks, and members were told not to forward the papers outside the group.
