A new organised fraud network linked to the NEET-UG examination has come under scrutiny after reports surfaced of agents allegedly luring medical aspirants and their families with promises of “manageable” or “favourable” exam centres in exchange for huge sums of money, ranging from ₹75 lakh to as high as ₹1 crore.
Investigations suggest that the racket becomes active several months before the examination cycle begins, targeting students soon after the application process starts. Families are allegedly approached with assurances that certain examination centres are under the influence of the network and that arrangements can be made to “facilitate” better outcomes or smoother handling of the exam process.
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Sources indicate that individuals involved in the scam pose as education consultants or representatives of coaching networks. Initially, they build trust through counselling sessions, advising students on exam preparation strategies and suggesting “safe” choices for examination centres across different states. Gradually, the conversation shifts towards specific centres described as “manageable,” where, according to the agents, influence can allegedly be exercised.
Several states, including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, have been mentioned during preliminary scrutiny as areas where such agents are reportedly active. The network is believed to use multiple layers of intermediaries, making it difficult to directly trace the masterminds behind the operation.
Investigators further claim that in some cases, students’ documents are allegedly manipulated to align their registration details with locations that make them eligible for specific centres. There are also allegations that the network misleads candidates with claims of pre-arranged assistance during the exam process, including false promises related to answer sheet handling or result influence.
More alarmingly, the racket reportedly engages with students and parents months in advance under the guise of counselling, gradually building psychological pressure and trust. Once confidence is established, families are allegedly pushed towards making advance payments, with the promise of guaranteed outcomes or secured admissions.
Cyber and law enforcement experts believe that such frauds are increasingly becoming sophisticated, using social media platforms, messaging applications, and personal agents to expand their reach. Fake coaching institutions and fabricated educational identities are also reportedly used to make the offers appear legitimate.
Education experts warn that such scams exploit the uncertainty and high-pressure environment surrounding competitive examinations like NEET. They note that aspirants and parents, driven by fear of failure and intense competition, often become vulnerable to unrealistic assurances of guaranteed success.
Officials have clarified that national-level examinations like NEET are conducted under strict protocols and centralized monitoring systems, leaving no scope for “manageable centres” or external influence over exam conduct. Despite this, fraudulent groups continue to exploit misinformation to extract large sums of money from unsuspecting families.
Authorities are now attempting to map the full extent of the network, including financial transactions, digital communication trails, and interstate connections. Early findings suggest that the racket may not be confined to a single region but could be part of a broader pan-India organised fraud structure.
Investigators are also examining whether similar complaints exist in other states but remain unreported due to fear or lack of awareness. Officials have indicated that further arrests and revelations could follow as the probe deepens into the alleged education fraud network.
With competitive exams becoming increasingly high-stakes, officials and experts have urged students and parents to remain cautious of any claims involving guaranteed exam centres or assured results, stressing that such promises are inherently fraudulent and illegal.
