Alleged Leak and Sale of NEET 2026 Exam Papers on Telegram — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated Jun 12, 2026

Severity: Medium | View Full Scam Details

Beware the Alleged Leak and Sale of NEET 2026 Exam Papers on Telegram: How to Stay Safe in India

A new phishing scam targeting NEET 2026 aspirants on Telegram threatens to exploit students by offering fake access to exam papers in exchange for money.

What Is the Alleged Leak and Sale of NEET 2026 Exam Papers on Telegram?

As NEET 2026 draws closer, anxiety around this crucial medical entrance exam is leading scammers to target hopeful students and their families. Fraudsters allegedly use Telegram, a messaging app popular for its privacy and group features, to create channels or groups where they claim to have access to the exam papers well before the official date. They then offer these papers for sale at huge sums, promising guaranteed admission to medical colleges.

This phishing scam mainly targets students preparing intensely for NEET, as well as their worried parents who might be desperate to secure their children’s futures. According to public complaints reported by police and cybercrime officials, these fraudsters exploit the trust and urgency around NEET exam preparations. Such scams have been reported in multiple Indian states, especially where competition is fiercest.

Although official bodies like the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, have never confirmed any leaks, the circulation of such fake exam materials causes confusion and panic. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Indian government’s Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System have issued general warnings about phishing and fake exam paper scams but no specific advisory for NEET 2026 papers so far.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Invitation to Join Telegram Groups: Scammers set up Telegram groups or channels with names like “NEET 2026 Exam Papers Leak” and invite students via social media posts, WhatsApp forwards, or targeted messages.

2. Fake Testimonials and Early Access Claims: Once inside, users see fake screenshots of supposed exam papers and messages from “happy buyers” who claim they got their papers in advance.

3. Requests for Payment: Admins of these channels ask interested students or parents to pay amounts ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 or more, often via UPI IDs, prepaid cards, or even cryptocurrency wallets.

4. Use of Phishing Links or Data Harvesting: Sometimes, alongside payments, fraudsters share fake login pages or ask for Aadhaar numbers and other personal details, putting victims at risk of identity theft or SIM swap fraud.

5. No Delivery of Any Real Material: After payment, the supposed exam paper is never delivered or is replaced by irrelevant content. Attempts to get refunds are ignored.

6. Blocking and Disappearing: Admins often delete the Telegram groups or block victims to avoid being traced.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Telegram channels claiming to sell exam papers months before the official exam date
• Requests for large upfront payments via UPI or prepaid vouchers to unknown IDs
• Promises of “guaranteed” NEET success or admission
• Pressure tactics demanding quick payment to “secure a slot”
• Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and inconsistent messaging in posts or chats
• Requests for Aadhaar details, bank OTPs, or UPI PINs under the pretext of verification
• Lack of official confirmation or denial from recognized NEET or government bodies

What Happens to Victims

Victims of this scam often lose thousands or even lakhs of rupees. Payments via UPI or prepaid gift cards are typically irreversible unless caught early. Additionally, sharing Aadhaar or bank information can lead to identity theft or bank fraud, especially if combined with SIM swap attacks where fraudsters hijack mobile numbers for OTP interception.

The emotional toll can be severe — disappointment, shame, and stress often affect students and families, especially when the scam surfaces close to exam dates. Victims also face difficulties in reporting due to the anonymity of Telegram scammers and delays in police or cybercrime responses.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

While RBI has not issued a directive specifically about exam paper sale scams, it has repeatedly warned consumers against sharing sensitive banking details and using only trusted payment channels. The RBI helpline can be contacted for fraud reporting.

CERT-In advises users to be cautious of phishing attempts on social media platforms, avoid clicking unknown links, and never share OTPs or PINs. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) encourages filing complaints on scams involving digital payments or online fraud. India’s 1930 cybercrime helpline also provides assistance in such cases.

The regulatory framework around phishing and online fraud is robust, with IT Rules 2021 and the DPDP Act 2023 aiming to protect users, but public vigilance remains critical.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never join Telegram channels/groups claiming to sell exam papers or offering “early access” to NEET question sets.
2. Avoid making payments via UPI, prepaid cards, or bank transfers to unknown persons promising exam-related benefits.
3. Verify exam-related announcements only through official channels like NTA, Ministry of Education, or state education boards.
4. Do not share Aadhaar, bank details, passwords, OTPs, or UPI PINs with anyone claiming to verify exam eligibility.
5. Use official apps and websites for exam-related tasks; do not rely on WhatsApp forwards or unverified social media links.
6. Report suspicious Telegram groups or contacts to the platform and to cybercrime authorities immediately.
7. Keep your mobile number and SIM card safe to prevent SIM swap fraud — inform your telecom operator if you suspect anything unusual.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

• Immediately stop all payments and communications with the suspicious Telegram group or contact.
• Change your UPI PIN after suspecting a phishing attempt.
• Contact your bank or payment service provider to alert them and request blocking or monitoring of your accounts.
• File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in with details of the scam.
• Call the 1930 cybercrime helpline for advice and assistance.
• Inform your mobile service provider if your SIM or phone number may have been compromised.
• Keep a record of all communications, payment receipts, and messages from the scam for evidence during investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there any official confirmation about NEET 2026 exam papers being leaked?
A: No, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and other official bodies have not confirmed any leak. All claims of early exam paper access circulating on Telegram are unverified and likely fraudulent.

Q: What if I already shared my Aadhaar or banking details with a Telegram group admin?
A: Immediately change your passwords and UPI PINs. Report the incident to your bank and file a cybercrime complaint. Monitor your accounts closely for unauthorized activity.

Q: Can payments made through UPI or prepaid vouchers be reversed if I fall victim?
A: Reversal is difficult once payment is complete. However, contacting your bank promptly and filing a police report may increase chances of recovery. Always report scams to cybercrime authorities.

If you get suspicious messages or offers related to exams, always verify with trusted sources like BharatSecure.app before taking action. Report any fraud attempts urgently at 1930.

Disclaimer: This article describes a pattern of fraud reported in public sources for public-safety awareness. It is not legal, financial, or medical advice. To request correction or removal of any content, write to hello@bharatsecure.app.