See How Many Times the NEET Paper Has Leaked Since 2013 – Complete Year-wise Timeline
How many times has the NEET paper leaked since 2013? Explore the complete year-wise timeline of NEET paper leak controversies, confirmed cases, investigations, and major updates from 2013 to 2026 in one detailed guide.
7/23/20262 min read
Since the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) was introduced in 2013, it has become India's single largest medical entrance examination, with millions of students competing every year for MBBS, BDS and other medical seats. Over the past 14 years, the exam has faced several allegations of paper leaks and malpractice. However, not every allegation has been officially confirmed.
Here's a fact-based look at the history of NEET paper leak controversies.
How Many Times Has NEET Paper Been Leaked Since 2013?
Between 2013 and 2026, five major NEET-related paper leak controversies have been reported. Out of these:
2024 – Leak confirmed during investigation.
2026 – Exam cancelled due to an alleged paper leak; CBI investigation is ongoing.
2016, 2021 and a few other local incidents involved allegations and arrests but did not lead to confirmation of a nationwide leak.
Complete Timeline of NEET Paper Leak Controversies
2013–2015: Initial Years
NEET was first introduced in 2013, but legal challenges led to changes in the admission process. During these years, there was no confirmed nationwide NEET paper leak.
2016: First Major Allegations
NEET returned as the single medical entrance examination.
Police investigated alleged paper leak rackets in some states.
A few arrests were made.
Authorities did not find evidence requiring cancellation of the exam nationwide.
2017–2020: No Major Confirmed Leak
Although isolated cheating cases were reported, no nationwide paper leak affecting NEET was officially established.
2021: Local Leak Allegations
Several complaints emerged regarding alleged question paper circulation and solver gangs.
Local investigations were carried out.
No nationwide re-exam was ordered.
Results remained valid.
2022–2023: Improved Security
NTA strengthened security through biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and tighter logistics. No confirmed nationwide paper leak was reported.
2024: Biggest NEET Paper Leak Scandal
The 2024 controversy became the most serious in NEET's history.
Investigations found that:
The question paper had been illegally accessed before the exam at specific locations.
The Supreme Court accepted that a leak had occurred but held that the available evidence did not establish a nationwide compromise affecting all candidates.
A nationwide re-exam was not ordered, though investigations continued.
2025: No Major Confirmed Leak
No officially confirmed nationwide paper leak was reported.
2026: First Nationwide Cancellation
NEET-UG 2026 became the first time the entire NEET examination was cancelled due to alleged paper leak and large-scale irregularities.
The Ministry of Education handed the case to the CBI.
An FIR was registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Fresh examinations were announced while the investigation continued.
Final Verdict
Since NEET began in 2013, the examination has faced five major controversy years, but only one leak (2024) has been conclusively established through investigations, while 2026 remains under active investigation after the exam was cancelled nationwide. The remaining incidents involved allegations, localized arrests or cheating cases that did not lead to an official finding of a nationwide paper leak.
This distinction is important because allegations alone do not necessarily mean the entire examination was compromised. Ongoing investigations and court findings remain the most reliable basis for assessing the integrity of each year's exam.