Who Is Shashikant Suthar, the Teacher Who Flagged the Alleged NEET-UG Paper Leak?

The alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 paper has triggered a nationwide investigation and forced cancellation of the test. Authorities say the suspected scam spanned multiple states. A re-exam is now set for June 21, while agencies examine how the questions reportedly surfaced online weeks before candidates entered centres.

At the heart of the case is Rajasthan-based chemistry teacher Shashikant Suthar, whose independent checks reportedly alerted officials. Suthar teaches at the GCI Coaching centre in Sikar. Investigators say Suthar’s actions helped expose how a “guess paper” circulating on Telegram may have mirrored the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper.

NEET-UG paper leak: How a “guess paper” raised early alarms

According to reports, an acquaintance showed Suthar a PDF “guess paper” after the NEET exam on May 3. The document had allegedly been shared in Telegram groups for several weeks. Suthar grew suspicious and decided to place the file beside the official NEET-UG question paper for a detailed comparison.

The similarities reportedly stunned Suthar. He claimed about 140 questions matched the real paper. The wording, order and even punctuation were said to be identical. Suthar further alleged that all 45 Chemistry questions in the viral PDF were exact copies, while a separate Biology PDF also appeared closely aligned with the examination.

NEET-UG paper leak: Teacher flags “concrete” evidence to agencies

Recognising the scale of the alleged leak, Suthar contacted authorities without delay. Reports state that emails were sent to the National Testing Agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Ministry of Education. Rajasthan Police then set up a Special Operations Group, and the CBI later joined as the case grew into a suspected multi-state examination scam.

Speaking to ANI, Suthar said the material left little room for doubt. “This time we had concrete evidence, and the government had to make a decision for re-NEET,” Suthar said. The comment reflected mounting pressure from candidates and parents, who questioned how such a large overlap could occur without prior detection.

NEET-UG paper leak: Emotional impact on students and policy response

Suthar also voiced concern over the possible role of educators. “As a teacher, I never thought a teacher would be involved in this. We need to understand that the sacrifices of students go to waste,” he added. Many students had prepared for months, and the cancellation has forced them to reset their schedules for the June 21 re-exam.

Amid public anger, the Union Education Minister announced a major change in the examination format. NEET-UG will shift to computer-based test mode from next year. Officials say the move is aimed at tightening security and lowering the risk of printed question papers being leaked or forwarded through digital networks.

NEET-UG paper leak: Arrests and key accused in the investigation

Investigators have so far arrested five persons in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Those in custody are named as Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Yash Yadav and Dhananjay Lokhande. More suspects may face action as police and the CBI continue to track money trails and communication records.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case now sits with state police units and the CBI, with investigators relying heavily on digital trails first flagged by Suthar. The episode has shaken trust in high-stakes exams, and the planned shift to computer-based testing will be closely watched by students, coaching centres and policymakers across India.