The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a stern warning to candidates, parents, and coaching institutes against submitting fabricated, digitally altered, or AI-generated OMR answer sheets and scorecards in connection with the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026. The agency said such acts amount to serious offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, besides attracting provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.The advisory comes days after the declaration of the NEET UG 2026 results, following reports that some candidates had claimed their uploaded OMR sheets did not belong to them or had been “interchanged.” According to the NTA, several representations were accompanied by allegedly “correct” OMR sheets or scorecards that were later found to be fabricated.
NTA says official records match declared results
The agency said it has examined every representation received after the announcement of the results. In each case reviewed so far, the official records, including the candidate’s OMR answer sheet, roll number, test booklet number, barcode, booklet code, signature, thumb impression, and invigilators’ signatures, matched the result declared by the agency.The NTA said forensic and record-based verification established that the documents submitted by candidates or their representatives were not genuine OMR sheets issued by the agency. Instead, they were digitally manipulated or completely fabricated documents.
How were the fake OMR sheets created?
The NTA said investigators have identified multiple methods used to create forged examination documents. These include:
- Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based image editing tools to regenerate the printed portions of OMR sheets, resulting in noticeable distortions in pre-printed sections such as instructions, question numbers, field labels and declaration paragraphs.
- Digitally replacing candidate details, including names, parents’ names, signatures, and thumb impressions—while leaving the original barcode, booklet number and marked answers unchanged.
- Altering marks or response counts on downloaded scorecards or OMR images without changing the embedded QR code or barcode, which still links to the original records stored on the agency’s servers.
- Creating entirely fictitious identities by inserting names and personal details of individuals who were never registered for NEET UG 2026.
According to the agency, while these manipulated documents may appear convincing visually, they cannot alter the official records maintained on secure servers.
Official records remain the final authority
The NTA emphasised that every genuine NEET UG document carries unique identifiers such as barcodes, answer sheet numbers, test booklet numbers, and QR codes. These identifiers are linked to a single authoritative record maintained on secure servers of the agency and the National Informatics Centre (NIC).The agency said that whenever a disputed document has been verified against these official records, the fabricated version has been exposed and the claim rejected.
Serious legal consequences for using forged documents
The agency warned that creating, possessing, circulating or submitting fabricated, digitally altered or AI-generated OMR sheets, scorecards or other examination documents is a cognisable offence.According to the notice, such actions can invite prosecution under:
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000
Apart from criminal prosecution, candidates found using forged documents may face cancellation of their candidature and debarment from future examinations conducted by the NTA.
Legal action may extend to third parties
The NTA said legal proceedings will not be limited to candidates alone. The agency may initiate action against any individual or organisation found to have prepared, supplied, brokered or promoted forged examination documents.It added that in every such case, the officially declared NEET UG 2026 result will remain valid and no re-evaluation, revision of marks or reservation of seats will be considered on the basis of fabricated images.
Genuine grievances can still be submitted
The agency clarified that the notice does not restrict candidates from raising legitimate concerns. Students who believe there is a genuine discrepancy in their OMR sheet may submit a representation through the prescribed helpdesk by mentioning their application number, roll number, the specific discrepancy and supporting evidence.However, the NTA advised candidates to attach only documents officially issued by the agency or downloaded from its portal. If a fabricated document is submitted, even if the candidate claims to have been misled by another person, the agency said appropriate legal action may still follow. In such cases, candidates are expected to disclose the identity of the third party and cooperate with the investigation.
Advisory for students and parents
The NTA has urged candidates, parents, guardians, coaching institutes, and education consultants to rely only on official NEET UG documents and avoid circulating or acting upon manipulated records. The agency reiterated that its official database remains the sole authoritative source for determining candidates’ responses and scores and warned that any attempt to use forged documents would invite strict legal and administrative action.Here is the link to the official notice.
