Three more individuals have been arrested in connection with the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) scam, bringing the total number of arrests to 12. The arrests were made by the Maharashtra Police's Cyber Crime Cell on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into the paper leak that compromised the integrity of the exam.
Details of the Arrests
The three newly arrested suspects have been identified as Rajesh Sharma, a former employee of the exam conducting agency; Sunil Patil, a middleman; and Anil Deshmukh, a teacher who allegedly paid for the leaked paper. According to police officials, Sharma is accused of providing access to the question paper before the exam, while Patil facilitated the transaction between Sharma and candidates. Deshmukh, who was a candidate himself, admitted to paying ₹50,000 for the paper.
“The investigation has revealed a well-organized network involving exam officials, middlemen, and candidates. We are verifying the roles of each suspect,” said a senior police officer involved in the case, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Background of the Scam
The Maharashtra TET scam came to light earlier this year when discrepancies were found in the answer sheets of several candidates. The exam, conducted by the Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE), is a mandatory qualification for teachers in primary and upper primary schools in the state. Over 2.5 lakh candidates appeared for the exam in 2025.
In March 2026, the police arrested nine individuals, including two officials from the MSCE, for their alleged involvement in the paper leak. The modus operandi involved photocopies of the question paper being distributed to select candidates a day before the exam, with payments ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Reforms Announced
In response to the scam, the Maharashtra government has announced that the TET exam will be conducted online starting from the next academic year, 2026-27. “The decision to shift to an online mode will ensure greater transparency and reduce the chances of paper leaks,” said Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar in a press conference on Wednesday. He added that the government is also considering introducing biometric verification and AI-based proctoring for future exams.
The online exam will be held in multiple sessions across various centers in the state. The syllabus and pattern will remain unchanged, but the question paper will be generated dynamically for each candidate to prevent any leak.
Impact on Candidates
The scam has caused significant distress among genuine candidates. Many have demanded a re-exam, but the government has not yet made a decision. “We have been waiting for our results for months, and now this scam has cast a shadow on the entire process. We want a fair chance,” said Priya Singh, a candidate from Pune who appeared for the exam.
The police have recovered ₹12 lakh in cash and several digital devices from the arrested individuals. Investigation is ongoing to identify other beneficiaries and officials who may have been involved.
Future Steps
The MSCE has formed a committee to oversee the transition to online exams. The committee is expected to submit its report within three months, outlining the technical requirements and timeline. Meanwhile, the police have issued a warning to candidates who purchased leaked papers, urging them to come forward voluntarily as part of the investigation.
The Maharashtra TET scam is one of the largest in the state's education sector, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the examination system. With the shift to online exams, authorities hope to restore trust in the process.
