The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified that images of answer sheets from the NEET-UG 2026 exam, widely shared on social media, were digitally fabricated.

The agency examined allegations from five candidates whose discrepancies were circulated online, stating that their genuine answer sheets matched official records.NTA claimed the circulated images were altered using AI or OCR tools, with fake identities and manipulated timestamps.

The agency warned that creating or circulating fake documents is a criminal offense under the 2024 Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Act, and legal action could extend to third parties.The controversy follows protests by the Cockroach Janta Party in Delhi, demanding accountability for exam mismanagement.NTA emphasized that all evaluated sheets were accurate, and scores were verified against official records, dismissing claims of score manipulation.