If you appeared for NEET UG 2026, here's an important update from the National Testing Agency (NTA). Following the declaration of the results, the NTA has issued a public notice warning candidates against the submission or circulation of fabricated, digitally altered, or AI-generated OMR answer sheets and scorecards. The agency has also highlighted the legal consequences of using such forged documents.
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NEET UG 2026: Why Has NTA Issued This Public Notice?
The NTA conducted NEET UG 2026 on 21 June, 2026. As part of its transparency process, the agency:
- Uploaded the provisional answer key on its website.
- Made candidates' recorded responses available online.
- Uploaded scanned copies of each candidate's OMR answer sheet.
- Emailed every registered candidate a scanned copy of their own OMR sheet.
- Allowed candidates to challenge answer keys and recorded responses through the prescribed objection window.
- Declared the NEET UG 2026 Result on 16 July, 2026.
After the results were announced, the agency received multiple representations from candidates or individuals claiming to act on their behalf, alleging discrepancies in their OMR sheets and submitting alternate images for re-evaluation.
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NTA Says Submitted OMR Sheets Were Found to Be Fabricated
According to the public notice, the NTA examined each representation individually.
The agency stated that in every case examined so far:
- The official OMR answer sheet on record carried the correct roll number, test booklet number, answer sheet barcode, test booklet code, candidate details, signatures, thumb impression, and invigilator signatures.
- The declared score matched the official answer key and calculation records.
- The image submitted by or on behalf of the candidate was not the OMR answer sheet issued by the NTA and was found to be a fabricated document.
How Were the Fake NEET UG 2026 OMR Sheets Altered?
The NTA has identified several methods used to fabricate OMR answer sheets and scorecards.
AI-Based Regeneration of OMR Sheets
The agency observed instances where AI-based image tools were allegedly used to digitally regenerate the printed sections of OMR sheets. These alterations reportedly affected pre-printed elements such as:
- Instructions at the top of the sheet
- Response grid headers
- Printed question numbers
- Candidate declaration paragraph
- Field labels
Digital Editing of Candidate Details
The notice also mentions cases where identity fields, including:
- Candidate's name
- Parents' names
- Signature
- Thumb impression
were digitally overwritten while keeping the barcode, booklet number, and marked answer bubbles unchanged.
Altered Scorecards and OMR Images
The NTA also found cases where marks or response counts on downloaded scorecards or OMR images had been digitally altered while leaving the original QR code or barcode intact.
Fake Candidate Identities
Another pattern involved inserting fictitious candidate names and parent details that did not match any registered NEET UG 2026 candidate.
If you come across suspicious claims or misleading information related to NEET UG 2026, you can also read about the NTA's platform to report such cases.
NTA Says Official Records Cannot Be Changed
The agency has clarified that every genuine NEET UG examination document contains verifiable identifiers, including:
- Barcode
- Test Booklet Number
- Answer Sheet Number
- Embedded QR code (on scorecards)
According to the notice, these identifiers are linked to secure records maintained by the NTA and the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
The NTA stated that while fabricated images may appear convincing, they cannot alter the official records stored on its servers. It also said that in every proceeding where such fabricated images have been presented before the agency or courts, verification against official records exposed the fabrication.
Legal Action Against Fake NEET UG 2026 OMR Sheets and Scorecards
The NTA has warned that creating, possessing, submitting, using, or circulating fabricated, digitally altered, AI-generated, or forged OMR answer sheets, scorecards, or other public examination documents constitutes a cognisable offence.
According to the notice, such actions may attract provisions under:
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000
The agency also stated that these offences may lead to:
- Imprisonment and fines under applicable laws
- Cancellation of candidature
- Debarment from future NTA examinations
What Will Happen If a Fake Document Is Submitted?
The NTA has stated that if a fabricated document is found to have been submitted, it may:
- Issue a written communication to the candidate and the person who submitted the document, if different.
- Initiate legal action against individuals involved in creating, supplying, brokering, or amplifying forged documents.
- Continue to treat the result based on the genuine OMR answer sheet as final.
- Not undertake any re-evaluation, revision, or reservation of a seat based on fabricated documents.
How You Can Raise a Genuine NEET UG 2026 OMR Grievance
The NTA has clarified that genuine grievances can still be submitted through the prescribed channel.
If you believe that your OMR answer sheet contains a genuine error, you may submit a representation to the agency by mentioning:
- Your Application Number
- Roll Number
- The specific discrepancy you are reporting
- The basis of your allegation
The agency has advised candidates not to attach any document that was not issued by the NTA or downloaded from the official NTA portal.
If a representation is supported by a fabricated document, it will be dealt with according to the provisions mentioned in the notice, regardless of whether the candidate claims to have been misled by a third party. In such cases, candidates are expected to disclose the identity of the third party and cooperate in the investigation.
The NTA has urged candidates, parents, guardians, coaching institutes, and consultants to take note of this public notice, which has been issued in the public interest.
Final Thoughts
The NTA has warned NEET UG 2026 candidates against creating, submitting, or circulating fabricated, digitally altered, or AI-generated OMR answer sheets and scorecards. While genuine grievances can still be raised through the official process, the agency has made it clear that forged documents may attract legal action, and only official records maintained by the NTA will be treated as valid.
Source
NTA Official Public Notice, 20 July, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per NTA, the Education Ministry, and the Government of India.
