NEET 2026 Cancelled: A major breakthrough has emerged in the NEET 2026 paper leak investigation after authorities detained a man identified as Shubham Khairnar from Maharashtra’s Nashik district. The development came a day after the National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET 2026 examination following allegations that the question paper had leaked before the test.
Investigators believe the accused played an important role in circulating the leaked paper, which was allegedly distributed to students as a “guess paper” before the examination.
Who is Shubham Khairnar?
Shubham Khairnar is reportedly a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) student from Nandgaon in Nashik district, Maharashtra. Police officials said he was detained from the Indiranagar area of Nashik after Rajasthan Police shared intelligence inputs regarding his suspected involvement in the NEET paper leak case.
According to reports, Khairnar allegedly tried to avoid arrest by changing his appearance and cutting his hair short. However, investigators identified him using older photographs and surveillance inputs.
Officials said he was reportedly heading toward a temple when police detained him.
NEET 2026 Cancelled: How Did the NEET 2026 ‘Guess Paper’ Leaked?
Investigators suspect that the leaked NEET question paper circulated among aspirants as a “guess paper” before the examination. Reports claimed that several questions in the leaked material matched the actual NEET 2026 paper.
- Authorities found that, 45 Chemistry questions allegedly matched the original paper
- 90 Biology questions reportedly appeared identical to the final exam
Sources further claimed that Shubham Khairnar allegedly purchased the paper for ₹10 lakh and sold it onward for nearly ₹15 lakh, earning profits through the illegal circulation network.
NEET 2026 Cancelled: Multi-State Link in NEET 2026 Paper Leak Case
The investigation has now revealed a wider network connecting Rajasthan, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case after the National Testing Agency cancelled the exam.
The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group traced the movement of the leaked paper through coordinated questioning across several districts.
IG Ajay Pal Lamba said, “Based on input received by the police, Sikar Police, Jhunjhunu Police, Alwar Police, Jaipur City Police, Jaipur Rural Police and SOG teams together questioned individuals who were suspected of receiving the NEET-UG 2026 paper. After questioning more than 150 aspirants, their friends and their parents, it became clear that the paper was sent to Rajasthan, before the exams, by a resident of Haryana,”
He further added, “Upon questioning, it was found that the paper came from Nashik, Maharashtra. After this information was shared with the NTA, the Government of India ordered the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 exam. The CBI has taken over the case,”
NEET 2026 Cancellation Sparks Massive Concern Among Aspirants
The cancellation of the NEET 2026 examination has triggered nationwide concern among medical aspirants and parents. The examination is one of India’s largest entrance tests for undergraduate medical admissions, and the leak allegations have raised serious questions about exam security and transparency. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify others linked to the alleged paper leak network.
