The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a stern warning to candidates, parents and coaching institutions against submission of fake, digitally altered or AI-generated OMR answer sheets and scorecards in connection with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026. The agency said such conduct constitutes a serious offense under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, in addition to the provisions of the BNS Act, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.The advisory comes days after the NEET UG 2026 results were declared, following reports that some candidates claimed that the OMR sheets they had uploaded did not belong to them or had been ‘swapped’. According to the NTA, some statements were accompanied by purportedly “correct” OMR sheets or scorecards, but these were later found to be fake.
NTA says official records match published results
The agency said it had reviewed every statement it received after the results were announced. In every case reviewed so far, official records, including candidates’ OMR answer sheets, roll numbers, paper numbers, barcodes, paper codes, signatures, thumb impressions and invigilator signatures, match the results published by the agency.The NTA said forensic and record-based verification showed that the documents submitted by the candidates or their representatives were not authentic OMR forms issued by the agency. Instead, they are documents that have been digitally manipulated or completely fabricated.
How are fake OMR tables made?
The NTA said investigators have uncovered multiple methods used to falsify exam documents. These include:
- The printed portion of the OMR form was regenerated using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based image editing tool, resulting in significant distortion of pre-printed portions such as instructions, question numbers, field labels, and declaration paragraphs.
- Digitally replace candidate details including name, parent names, signatures and thumb impressions while leaving original barcodes, booklet numbers and marked answers intact.
- Change markers or response counts on downloaded scorecards or OMR images without changing embedded QR codes or barcodes, which remain linked to the original records stored on the institution’s servers.
- A completely fictitious identity is created by inserting the name and personal details of an individual who has never registered for NEET UG 2026.
According to the agency, while the manipulated files look visually convincing, they fail to alter official records maintained on secure servers.
Official records remain final
NTA emphasized that every genuine NEET UG document comes with a unique identifier such as barcode, answer sheet number, question paper number and QR code. These identifiers are linked to a single authoritative record maintained on secure servers at the agency and the National Information Center (NIC).The agency said every time the disputed documents were verified against these official records, fabricated versions were exposed and the claims were dismissed.
Serious legal consequences of using forged documents
The agency warned that it is a cognizable offense to create, possess, disseminate or submit a forged, digitally altered or AI-generated OMR form, scorecard or other examination document.According to the notice, such conduct may be subject to prosecution:
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024
- Bharatiya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000
In addition to criminal prosecution, candidates found to have used forged documents may face disqualification of their candidacy and bar from taking future NTA examinations.
Legal proceedings may extend to third parties
The legal action is not limited to candidates, the NTA said. The agency can take action against any person or organization found to have prepared, provided, represented or promoted falsified examination documents.In all such cases, the officially declared NEET UG 2026 results will remain valid and no re-evaluation, revision of marks or seat reservation based on fabricated images will be considered, it added.
Genuine grievances can still be submitted
The agency clarified that the notice does not restrict candidates from raising legitimate concerns. Students who feel that there is genuine discrepancy in the OMR sheet can submit a representation through the prescribed help desk mentioning their application number, roll number, specific discrepancy and supporting evidence.However, NTA advises candidates to attach only documents officially issued by the agency or downloaded from its portal. If falsified documents are submitted, the agency said appropriate legal action may still be taken, even if the candidate claims to have been misled by others. In such cases, candidates should disclose the identity of the third party and cooperate with the investigation.
Advice for students and parents
NTA urges candidates, parents, guardians, coaching institutions and educational consultants to rely only on official NEET UG documents and avoid disseminating or taking action based on tampered records. The agency reiterated that its official database remains the only authoritative source for determining candidate responses and scores, warning that any attempt to use forged documents will result in strict legal and administrative action.This is association The official notification shall prevail.