A major examination fraud case has surfaced during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, where authorities detained around 30 individuals, including nine alleged impersonators who were reportedly appearing for the test on behalf of registered candidates.
The suspects were identified during biometric verification at examination centres, officials said. The discrepancies in identity records triggered immediate scrutiny, leading invigilators and local authorities to investigate further.
The re-examination was conducted under heightened security arrangements following the cancellation of the original NEET-UG 2026 exam amid allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. Across the country, authorities implemented stricter verification procedures, surveillance systems, and enhanced monitoring to prevent malpractice.
According to preliminary findings, the individuals arrested in Lakhisarai are suspected to be part of a larger “solver gang” network, a term commonly used for rackets that arrange proxy candidates to take competitive examinations. Investigators are examining whether the operation had links beyond Bihar and if additional candidates or intermediaries were involved.
Officials have also begun reviewing digital records, biometric data, and communication trails to determine how the alleged impersonation attempt was organized. The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the masterminds behind the network and assessing whether similar attempts occurred at other examination centres.
Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) stated that the re-examination was conducted at thousands of centres across India under strict security protocols. The agency had deployed extensive anti-cheating measures, including biometric verification and electronic monitoring systems, to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.
The latest arrests add to a series of developments surrounding NEET-UG 2026, which has remained under intense scrutiny since the examination was cancelled earlier this year due to alleged irregularities. Several agencies, including the CBI, are already investigating different aspects of the controversy.
Authorities have assured candidates that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in examination fraud and that efforts are underway to ensure a fair and transparent admission process for medical aspirants.
