NEET UG 2026 OMR Sheets: NTA Confirms Digital Tampering
NTA's Investigation into NEET UG 2026 Claims
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has addressed allegations made by three candidates concerning the NEET (UG) 2026 examination. After thorough verification of the claims, it was determined that the OMR sheet images circulating on social media were digitally manipulated. This announcement was made in a public notice dated July 20, 2026.
Following the release of the NEET UG 2026 results, various assertions regarding the OMR sheets and scores of certain candidates gained traction online. Some students claimed inaccuracies in their scores and discrepancies in their OMR sheets. The NTA has now completed its investigation and clarified that the OMR sheets being shared are not authentic.
Details of the Investigation
The NTA conducted individual investigations into the cases of Arya Singh, Abhay Yadav, and Lakshya Singh. The agency confirmed that the original OMR sheets for all three candidates are securely stored in its records. Additionally, during the challenge period for OMR responses, these candidates received their actual OMR sheets via their registered email addresses.
Findings on Arya Singh's OMR Sheet
Regarding claims by Ms. Arya Singh (App No. 260410434102) about her NEET (UG) 2026 OMR answer sheet:
— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) July 20, 2026
NTA has verified the record.
The genuine OMR of the candidate is with NTA. It was also emailed to her at the registered e-mail address during the OMR Response Key challenge…
According to the NTA, the OMR sheet associated with Arya Singh that circulated online was not authentic. The agency noted that the image had been digitally altered. For example, the time recorded for the invigilator's signature was 3:45 PM on the genuine sheet, while the viral image showed it as 2:45 PM.
The NTA also indicated that signs of digital manipulation were evident in several other areas. After investigation, it confirmed that Arya Singh's score of 167 is accurate, and no changes will be made to her result.
Clarification on Lakshya Singh and Abhay Yadav's OMR Sheets
In Lakshya Singh's case, the NTA revealed that several additional answers had been digitally filled in on the viral OMR sheet. According to official records, he attempted only 54 out of 180 questions, with 34 correct and 20 incorrect, leaving 126 questions unattempted. Thus, his confirmed score of 116 stands.
Regarding claims by Shri Lakshya Singh (App No. 260412053016) about his NEET (UG) 2026 OMR answer sheet:
— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) July 20, 2026
NTA has verified the record.
The genuine OMR of the candidate is with NTA. It was also emailed to him at the registered e-mail address during the OMR Response Key challenge…
Legal Implications of Sharing Fake OMR Sheets
The NTA has made it clear that digitally altering OMR sheets, creating fake versions, or distributing them on social media is a serious offense. Additionally, making false claims that contradict official examination records can lead to legal consequences. Such actions are punishable under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.