Just a day after the NEET re-examination was conducted, authorities in Bihar have uncovered a major paper-solving racket, leading to the arrest of 24 individuals allegedly involved in helping candidates cheat during the exam.
The crackdown has raised fresh concerns about the integrity of one of India’s most competitive medical entrance examinations, which has already been under scrutiny following the cancellation of an earlier test due to a paper leak.
24 Arrested in Major Anti-Cheating Operation
According to reports, Bihar Police arrested a total of 24 people in connection with the alleged examination fraud. Among those detained are 14 employees associated with a biometric verification company and five medical students, including a student from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
Investigators believe the group was part of a larger paper-solving network that facilitated impersonation and cheating during the NEET re-examination. The arrests were made after authorities detected multiple instances of candidates appearing in the examination on behalf of other students.
₹40 Lakh Deal for Solving Exam Papers
Preliminary investigations suggest that the racket operated through high-value deals with aspiring candidates. According to media reports, the gang allegedly charged around ₹40 lakh per candidate to arrange for a “solver” to take the examination on behalf of the actual applicant.
Police suspect the operation may be linked to an interstate network with connections extending beyond Bihar. The scale of the arrests and the involvement of trained medical students have intensified concerns that the gang may have been active across multiple states.
Nine Fake Candidates Caught at Examination Centres
Authorities have so far identified nine impersonators who were appearing for the examination in place of registered candidates. These fake candidates were caught at three examination centres located in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya, Lakhisarai
- High School Hasanpur
- KRK High School and DIET Lakhisarai
Officials say the impersonators had successfully entered the centres and were attempting to write the examination on behalf of other students before being detected.
Biometric Verification Staff Under Scanner
The role of biometric verification personnel has emerged as a crucial part of the investigation. Police are currently questioning several employees linked to the biometric company responsible for candidate verification at examination centres. Investigators suspect that fake candidates were allowed to enter without undergoing proper identity verification procedures.
Sources indicate that at least seven biometric company employees are being extensively questioned regarding possible negligence or direct involvement in facilitating the fraud.
The alleged bypassing of biometric checks has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures designed to prevent impersonation during high-stakes examinations.
Background: NEET Re-Exam Held After Paper Leak Controversy
The latest arrests come against the backdrop of the ongoing NEET controversy. The original NEET examination was conducted on May 3 but was later cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. Authorities subsequently ordered a re-examination to ensure fairness and restore confidence in the admission process.
However, the discovery of a fresh cheating racket immediately after the re-exam has once again put the spotlight on examination security and the challenges of preventing organised fraud.
Similar Incident Reported in Varanasi
In another development linked to the NEET re-examination, a suspicious candidate was detained in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on Sunday, June 21.
The accused, identified as Prince Dubey, a resident of Ballia district, was allegedly found carrying a SIM card and an old question paper concealed inside his undergarments.
Officials are investigating whether the Varanasi incident has any connection to the Bihar-based racket or other organised cheating networks operating during the examination.
Investigation Continues
Police officials believe the Bihar arrests may be only the beginning of a larger investigation into an extensive solver gang operating across state boundaries.
Authorities are examining digital records, communication details and financial transactions to identify the masterminds behind the operation. More arrests are expected as investigators trace the network’s links and determine how impersonators managed to bypass security protocols.
The case has once again highlighted the growing sophistication of examination fraud networks and the urgent need for stronger safeguards in competitive entrance examinations across the country.
Also Read: AI Layoffs Shake The World, Gujarat Engineers Grab Record ₹94 Lakh Offers
https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-engineering-students-record-placements-ai-layoffs-2026/
