Ahmedabad: Despite a temporary ban on Telegram and repeated crackdowns on online channels linked to examination malpractice, fraudsters continue to target NEET aspirants with promises of question papers in exchange for money, a Times of India investigation has found.
Adapting to Restrictions
Operating through encrypted messaging platforms, the racketeers have quickly adapted to restrictions by using VPN services and alternative digital routes to remain accessible to students. One such Telegram channel administrator claimed he had been supplying NEET question papers to “clients” since 2022.
Luring Buyers with Proof
The administrator shared screen recordings purportedly showing question papers from previous years in a bid to lure buyers. In one instance, he claimed that the 2025 NEET exam, conducted on May 4, had been distributed to clients on May 1. The screen recordings matched the actual exam paper, which the channel administrator boasted about to convince prospective clients.
Operational Protocols
The channel, with nearly 1,200 members, was run with strict operational protocols. Members were repeatedly instructed not to directly ask for question papers in the main group. Instead, interested candidates were asked to join private chats or separate groups for negotiations.
Payments and Verification
According to the chats reviewed by TOI, payments varied depending on the level of access sought. After receiving money, the administrator allegedly provided a unique code to the buyer. The code was intended to verify the client’s identity upon the release of the purported exam paper.
Testimonials and Guarantees
The operator also shared messages allegedly sent by students thanking him for providing “accurate” papers before exams. While the authenticity of those testimonials could not be independently verified, they were prominently used to attract new customers.
In a bid to reassure buyers, the administrator also promised that if the paper supplied for the NEET re-examination did not match the actual test, every client would receive a refund equal to double the amount paid. Group members were repeatedly told that Thursday was the final day to “book” the paper.
Heightened Scrutiny
The findings come amid heightened scrutiny of NEET, following allegations of paper leaks that triggered investigations and legal proceedings. Recently, Ahmedabad cybercrime police arrested two persons accused of duping candidates by offering access to NEET papers for money.
Wider Fraud Network
TOI had recently exposed that this fraudulent ecosystem extends beyond sellers of fake papers. Another network of operators is allegedly luring candidates with claims that they can get them seats in medical colleges through influential contacts and manipulated counselling processes.
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