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NEET UG Result 2026: NTA issues notice against fake, AI-generated OMR sheets, warns of strict legal consequences

Upon receiving such representations, the Agency examined each of them and found no discrepancies in its official records. It was warned legal action.

Updated on: Jul 20, 2026, 11:06:38 IST
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National Testing Agency, NTA, has issued a strong warning against the circulation of fake AI-generated OMR answer sheets, scorecards of NEET UG Result 2026. The Agency has started that such acts are criminal offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, as well as other applicable laws.

NEET UG Result 2026: NTA issues notice against fake, AI-generated OMR sheets, warns of strict legal consequences
NEET UG Result 2026: NTA issues notice against fake, AI-generated OMR sheets, warns of strict legal consequences

As per the advisory issued, the Agency received a number of representations from candidates or from persons purporting to act on their behalf, alleging that the OMR answer sheet uploaded against their Roll Number, or emailed to them, does not belong to them, or has been "interchanged", or shows a substantially lower number of answers than the candidate claims to have made. In many such representations, the sender has enclosed an image of an OMR answer sheet, or of a score card, said to be the "correct" document, and has sought a re-evaluation of the result on the basis of that image.

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NTA said that the documents submitted along with such complaints were fabricated. The fabrications include:

a. Digital regeneration of the printed portion of the OMR sheet by AI-based image tools, which produces distinctive typographical distortions on parts of the sheet that were pre-printed by the Agency and cannot be altered by any candidate with a pen, such as the top-of-sheet instructions, the column headers over the response grid, the serially printed question numbers, the candidate declaration paragraph and the field labels.

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b. Digital overwriting of the identity fields, that is, the candidate name, the parents’ names, the signature and the thumb impression, on an image of the candidate’s own genuine OMR sheet, while retaining the barcode, the booklet number and the shading on all 180 answer bubbles unchanged.

c. Digital alteration of the marks or the response counts shown on a downloaded score card or OMR image, while leaving in place the underlying QR code or barcode, which continues to point to the genuine record on the Agency’s server.

d. Insertion into the fabricated image of a fictitious identity, that is, a candidate name and parentage that do not correspond to any candidate registered for NEET (UG) 2026.

The agency emphasised that every genuine NEET document contains verifiable security identifiers such as barcodes, answer sheet numbers, test booklet details and QR codes, all of which are linked to secure records maintained by the NTA and the National Informatics Centre (NIC). While fabricated images may appear authentic, they cannot alter the official records stored on the agency's servers.

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Further the Agency has warned to initiate legal action against those who are creating these forged documents, possessing it, using, have submitted or circulated it. Offenders may also face prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. In addition to imprisonment and fines, candidates may face cancellation of candidature and debarment from future NTA examinations.

Meanwhile, NTA has clarified that genuine grievances regarding OMR answer sheets may still be submitted through the prescribed NTA helpdesk. Candidates have been advised to attach only documents officially issued or downloaded from the NTA portal, as any complaint supported by fabricated material will invite legal action.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Papri Chanda

Papri Chanda is the Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital. With over 12 years of experience as an education journalist, she has worked across multiple media platforms, building deep expertise in education policy, examinations, and higher education systems. In her current role, Papri manages the day-to-day editorial work for the education beat. She plans daily content, decides story priorities, and oversees breaking-news coverage in a fast-moving digital newsroom. She works closely with reporters to ensure stories are accurate, timely, and meet editorial standards. Papri plays a key role during major exam cycles, CBSE and state board exam results, and policy announcements. Her work focuses on covering India’s education system, including the Ministry of Education, UGC, CBSE, NEET, JEE, CUET, and important higher-education policy changes. Prior to joining Hindustan Times Digital, Papri served as Correspondent – Education at Times Now Digital, where she delivered high-volume breaking news under intense newsroom deadlines and conducted interviews with key policymakers and academic leaders. Earlier, at Dainik Jagran, she independently managed the education and careers vertical, leading coverage of competitive exams, government jobs, and admission cycles, while mentoring junior writers and streamlining editorial workflows. Papri holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Burdwan. Outside work, she enjoys travelling, reading, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring diverse cuisines.

Get latest updates on NIRF Ranking along with Education and updates on other Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News.
Get latest updates on NIRF Ranking along with Education and updates on other Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News.
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