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Date: 20 July 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a clarification regarding misleading claims circulating on social media about the NEET (UG) 2026 results. According to the agency, several digitally altered images of candidates’ NEET UG 2026 OMR Answer Sheet are being shared online, falsely alleging errors in the evaluation process.
NTA stated that it has thoroughly examined all such cases and found no discrepancies in the evaluation of the concerned candidates’ answer sheets.
NTA Confirms Authentic OMR Records
The agency clarified that the original NEET UG 2026 OMR Answer Sheet of every candidate is securely maintained in its records. Each genuine OMR contains:
- Correct Roll Number
- Test Booklet Number
- OMR Answer Sheet barcode and serial number
- Test Booklet Code
- Candidate’s name and parentage written in the candidate’s own handwriting
- Candidate’s signature and thumb impression
- Signatures of both invigilators
NTA also confirmed that the original OMR answer sheet was shared with the respective candidate through their registered email address and made available on the official candidate portal.
No Evaluation Errors Found: NEET UG 2026 OMR Answer Sheet
According to NTA, the marks awarded to each candidate are fully consistent with:
- The original OMR answer sheet
- The official NEET (UG) 2026 answer key
- The calculation and evaluation records maintained by the agency
After verification, NTA stated that no evaluation errors have been identified in the cases being circulated online.
Social Media Images Found to Be Digitally Manipulated
NTA emphasized that the OMR images being circulated on social media are not official documents issued by the agency. Investigations have revealed that these images are digitally manipulated versions of the original answer sheets.
Some of the alterations detected include:
- Addition of extra response markings
- Modification of candidate details such as names
- Changes to the authenticated signature time of invigilators
- Other unauthorized digital alterations intended to misrepresent the original records
Legal Action Against Forged NEET UG 2026 OMR Answer Sheet
The agency warned that creating, sharing, or submitting fabricated or digitally altered OMR answer sheets is a punishable offence. Such actions may attract legal proceedings under:
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- The Information Technology Act, 2000
Individuals found involved in creating or circulating forged examination documents may face criminal action under the applicable laws.
Advice for Candidates
NTA has advised candidates who have genuine concerns regarding their NEET UG 2026 results to avoid relying on misleading social media posts. Instead, they should follow the official grievance redressal procedure outlined in the Public Notice dated 20 July 2026, available on the NTA’s official website.
Candidates are encouraged to use only official communication channels for any queries or complaints related to the examination or result.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did NTA issue a clarification on NEET UG 2026 OMR Answer Sheet?
NTA issued the clarification after digitally altered images of NEET (UG) 2026 OMR answer sheets were circulated on social media, claiming that certain candidates’ NEET UG results 2026 were incorrect. The agency stated that these claims are false and that no evaluation errors were found.
2. How does NTA verify the authenticity of an OMR answer sheet?
NTA maintains the original OMR answer sheet of every candidate, which includes the roll number, test booklet number, barcode, candidate’s handwritten details, signature, thumb impression, and invigilators’ signatures. These records are used to verify the accuracy of the evaluation.
3. Are the OMR answer sheet images circulating on social media genuine?
No. According to NTA, the images being shared on social media are digitally manipulated and are not official OMR answer sheets issued by the agency.
4. What should candidates do if they have concerns about their NEET (UG) 2026 result?
Candidates with genuine grievances should follow the official grievance redressal process mentioned in NTA’s Public Notice dated 20 July 2026 instead of relying on unverified information shared on social media.
5. Is it illegal to create or circulate fake OMR answer sheets?
Yes. NTA has stated that creating, sharing, or using fabricated or digitally altered OMR answer sheets is a punishable offence under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.