The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released an important public notice cautioning NEET UG 2026 candidates, parents, coaching institutes, and consultants against the use or submission of fake, digitally manipulated, AI-generated, or forged OMR answer sheets and scorecards.

The notice comes after the declaration of the NEET UG 2026 results on 16 July 2026, with the agency receiving multiple representations claiming that candidates' OMR sheets had been interchanged or did not match the responses they remembered marking during the examination.

NTA Finds Fabricated Documents

According to the NTA, every complaint received so far has been thoroughly examined against its official records. The agency stated that in each case, the original OMR answer sheet, barcode, roll number, booklet number, candidate details, signatures, thumb impression, and invigilator records matched the official database.

However, the documents submitted by complainants were found to be fabricated or digitally manipulated after forensic examination.

AI-Generated and Digitally Altered OMR Sheets Detected

NTA has identified several methods used to create fake examination documents, including:

• AI-generated recreation of OMR answer sheets.
• Digital alteration of candidate names, signatures, and identity fields.
• Manipulation of marks and response counts on downloaded scorecards.
• Creation of fake candidate identities on fabricated OMR sheets.

The agency clarified that every genuine OMR sheet and scorecard carries secure barcodes, QR codes, answer sheet numbers, and booklet details, which can be verified against NTA's official servers.

Strict Legal Action Under Public Examinations Act

NTA has warned that creating, possessing, submitting, circulating, or using forged examination documents constitutes a cognisable offence under the:

• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
• Information Technology Act, 2000

Such offences may attract:

• Criminal prosecution.
• Imprisonment and financial penalties.
• Cancellation of candidature.
• Debarment from future examinations conducted by NTA.

The agency also stated that legal action may be initiated against third parties, coaching centres, consultants, or individuals involved in preparing or circulating fake documents.

Genuine Grievances Can Still Be Submitted

NTA clarified that candidates with genuine concerns regarding their NEET UG 2026 OMR sheets may continue to submit representations through the official helpdesk.

However, candidates have been advised to attach only documents downloaded from the official NTA portal. Any complaint supported by fabricated documents will invite legal action, irrespective of whether the candidate claims to have been misled by another person.

NTA Advises Candidates to Avoid Misinformation

The agency has urged candidates, parents, coaching institutes, and consultants not to rely on fake OMR sheets or altered scorecards circulating online or on social media. NTA reiterated that only records available on its secure servers are considered authentic and legally valid.

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