The National Testing Agency (NTA) publicly rejected the claims of five NEET-UG candidates regarding discrepancies in their OMR answer sheets on Monday. The agency stated that the images circulated by these candidates or on their behalf had been digitally modified, restored using artificial intelligence (AI), or altered by adding answers absent from the original sheets.
This clarification was provided a day after the TOI reported that NTA had found AI-generated OMR sheets among complaints concerning the NEET-UG 2026 results. The agency had previously stated that no errors had been established in the declared results and warned that candidates using fabricated records could face disqualification, banishment from participation, and criminal prosecution.
The results were announced on July 16 following a re-examination held on June 21. This re-examination was scheduled after the initial test in May was canceled due to a leak of examination materials. Several candidates and their parents claimed that the uploaded OMR sheets were mixed up or showed fewer attempts than stated.
In the case of Avanesh Shrivastava, NTA confirmed that the authentic OMR with his name, parents' names, signature, fingerprint, and invigilator signatures is recorded in the system and was sent to him during the answer key dispute period. The agency pointed out that the circulated image contained the identity of 'Ajeet Singh,' a person with the specified parents who did not exist in the NEET-UG 2026 database. According to the agency, the printed part was restored using AI or OCR tools, and the identification fields were overwritten. Shrivastava's score of 337 was verified.
Similarly, NTA dismissed the claim of Pratibha Trivedi, noting that the circulated image is a significantly altered version of her authentic OMR, and her score of 38 remained valid. In Abhay Yadav's case, the agency indicated that his public statement about leaving only five questions blank contradicts the official OMR, which recorded 44 unanswered questions. His score of 164 was confirmed.
Regarding Lakshya Singh, NTA reported that additional answer bubbles were digitally filled in the circulated image. The original sheet showed 54 attempts—34 correct and 20 incorrect, with 126 unanswered questions, resulting in 116 marks. In Arya Singh's situation, the agency noted a change in the invigilator's signature time from 15:45 to 14:45, along with other digital alterations. Her score of 167 remained unchanged.
In a public notice, NTA emphasized that authentic examination documents contain barcodes, booklet numbers, and answer sheet numbers, while result forms have QR codes linked to authoritative server records. The agency stated: 'A fabricated image may deceive the eye, but it cannot change the record on these servers.'
The agency warned that using fake OMRs or result forms could lead to action under the Public Examinations Act (Prevention of Unfair Means), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Information Technology Act. Nevertheless, it was stated that candidates can continue to submit legitimate complaints through the established channel.
A new scandal has emerged in India concerning the results of the Neet-UG 2026 retest after the scores of millions of students were published on July 16. Students, who were already distressed by the leak of Neet examination materials, began raising concerns on social media regarding alleged errors and discrepancies in the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) answer sheets.
Some users on X reported sending emails to NTA India but received no response, although the Khaleej Times could not independently confirm these claims. On July 19, NTA stated that it is closely monitoring and verifying all received complaints, and also suggested that many OMR sheets might be either forged or generated by artificial intelligence.
The agency added that using fake or AI-generated OMRs could lead to legal prosecution and advised students and parents to provide original OMR sheets.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) of India conducted a national-level retest on June 21 because the initial exam, held on May 3, was cancelled due to material leaks. In the context of the Neet-UG 2026 scandal, at least 13 people have been arrested, including chief organizer PV Kulkarni, a chemistry teacher who participated in conducting the exam on behalf of NTA India. He allegedly dictated questions with options and correct answers during special tutoring sessions at his residence.
The Neet-UG scandal, along with other educational issues, has led to the formation of the satirical 'Munchy Janta Party' and mass protests from students and their supporters. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of India's Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan. Leading Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protests and announced his intention to undertake an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with CJP. However, Delhi authorities in India admitted Sonam Wangchuk to the hospital after his condition deteriorated on the 21st day of the fast.
