The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a stern warning to candidates, parents and coaching institutes against submitting fabricated, digitally altered or AI-generated OMR answer sheets in connection with the National Undergraduate Entrance and Eligibility Test (NEET UG) 2026. The agency said such acts constitute serious offenses under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, besides attracting provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.The notice comes days after the declaration of NEET UG 2026 results, following reports that some candidates had claimed that their uploaded OMR sheets did not belong to them or had been ‘switched’. According to the NTA, several representations were accompanied by allegedly ‘correct’ OMR sheets or slips which were later found to be fabricated.
NTA says official records match declared results
The agency said it has scrutinized all the representations received after the results were announced. In all the cases reviewed so far, the official records including the candidate’s OMR answer sheet, roll number, test booklet number, bar code, passbook code, signature, thumb impression and invigilators’ signatures match the result declared by the agency.The NTA said forensic and record-based verification established that the documents submitted by the candidates or their representatives were not genuine OMR sheets issued by the agency. Instead, they were digitally manipulated or completely fabricated documents.
How fake OMR sheets were created?
The NTA said investigators have identified several methods used to create fake exam papers. These include:
- Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based image editing tools to regenerate printed parts of OMR sheets resulting in noticeable distortions in pre-printed sections like instructions, question numbers, field labels and declaration paragraphs.
- Digital replacement of candidate’s details including names, parents’ names, signatures and thumb impressions without changing the original barcode, booklet number and marked answers.
- Alter the marks or answer count on downloaded scorecards or OMR images without changing the embedded QR code or barcode, which still links to the original records stored on the agency’s servers.
- Creating totally fictitious identities by inserting names and personal details of individuals who have never registered for NEET UG 2026.
According to the agency, while these doctored documents may look visually convincing, they cannot alter official records that are kept on secure servers.
Official records remain the final authority
The NTA emphasized that each genuine NEET UG paper carries unique identifiers such as barcodes, answer sheet numbers, test booklet numbers and QR codes. These identifiers are linked to a single authority record that is maintained on secure servers at the agency and the National Informatics Center (NIC).The agency said that whenever a disputed document has been verified against these official records, the fabricated version has been exposed and the claim rejected.
Serious legal consequences for using forged documents
The agency warned that creating, possessing, circulating or sending fabricated, digitally altered or AI-generated OMR sheets, result slips or other examination documents is a cognizable offence.According to the notice, such actions may invite prosecution under:
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000
Apart from criminal prosecution, candidates found using forged documents may face cancellation of their candidature and debarment from future examinations conducted by the NTA.
Legal action may extend to third parties
The NTA said legal proceedings will not be limited to candidates alone. The agency may take action against any person or organization found to have prepared, supplied, brokered or promoted counterfeit examination papers.He added that in all such cases, the officially declared NEET UG 2026 result will remain valid and no re-evaluation, revision of marks or reservation of seats will be considered on the basis of fabricated images.
Genuine complaints can still be filed
The agency clarified that the notice does not restrict applicants from raising legitimate concerns. Students who believe that there is a genuine discrepancy in their OMR sheet can send a representation through the prescribed helpdesk mentioning their application number, roll number, specific discrepancy and supporting evidence.However, the NTA advised candidates to attach only official documents issued by the agency or downloaded from its portal. If a fabricated document is submitted, even if the candidate claims to have been misled by someone else, the agency said appropriate legal action can still be pursued. In such cases, candidates are expected to disclose the identity of the third party and cooperate with the investigation.
Advice to students and parents
The NTA has urged the candidates, parents, guardians, coaching institutes and educational consultants to rely only on the official NEET UG papers and avoid circulating or acting on tampered records. The agency reiterated that its official database remains the only authorized source for determining candidates’ answers and scores and warned that any attempt to use falsified documents would invite strict legal and administrative action.Here is the link in the official announcement.