The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a statement dismissing claims circulating on social media that the results of certain NEET (UG) 2026 candidates are incorrect, based on images of purported “correct” OMR answer sheets.
Agency Verifies Every Case
NTA said it has verified the records in all such cases and found no discrepancy. According to the agency:
- The genuine OMR answer sheet of every candidate concerned – carrying the correct Roll Number, Test Booklet Number, Answer Sheet barcode and serial, Test Booklet Code, and the candidate’s own name and parentage in their own handwriting, along with signatures and thumb impressions of the candidate and both invigilators – is held on record with NTA.
- It was made available to the candidate at their registered email address and on the candidate portal.
- The score declared for every such candidate is fully consistent with that OMR sheet, the notified answer key, and the calculation sheet on file. There is no evaluation error.
Images Called “Digitally Manipulated”
NTA clarified that the images being circulated as the “correct” OMR sheets are not documents it issued. Instead, they are digitally altered versions of candidates’ genuine sheets. The alterations examined by the agency include:
- Introduction of additional response markings not present in the original sheet
- Alteration of the candidate’s name
- Forged authenticated signature time of an invigilator
Legal Action on the Cards
The agency warned that creating, submitting, or circulating a fabricated or digitally altered OMR answer sheet is a cognisable offence under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. It separately attracts liability under:
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- The Information Technology Act, 2000
Grievance Redressal
Candidates with genuine grievances have been advised to follow the process laid out in NTA’s Public Notice dated 20th July 2026, available on the official NTA website.
For queries, candidates can reach NTA at +91-11-40759000 or neetug2026@nta.ac.in, or visit neet.nta.nic.in.
