Bombay High Court Dismisses NEET UG 2026 OMR Tampering Petitions, Fines Four Candidates ₹5,000 Each

Bombay High Court Rejects NEET UG 2026 OMR Tampering Allegations; Each Candidate Fined ₹5,000

The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has dismissed four writ petitions of NEET (UG) 2026 aspirants and claims of tampering/alleged incorrect evaluation of OMR answer sheets of the NEET (UG) 2026 Re- Examination. The court not only rejected the petitions after examining the original records, but also imposed a cost of ₹5,000 to each petitioner, which is to be paid to the National Testing Agency (NTA).

This decision comes a few days after NTA cautioned the candidates about the false claims regarding the NTA OMR answer sheets. The NTA also informed the candidates to abide by the official grievance mechanism.

Bombay High Court on Tampering of OMR Answer Sheets

The petitions were filed by the candidates Atharva, Hricha, Soham, and Rahul, who appeared for the NEET (UG) 2026 Re- Examination held on 21st June, 2026, and stated discrepancies on the OMR answer sheets wherein the answer sheets were altered/evaluated incorrectly.

During the hearing, the Aurangabad Bench instructed the NTA to produce the original OMR answer sheets. After perusal of the records and hearing the submissions of the NTA, the court found no merit in the complaints of the two candidates and dismissed the petitions. The other two petitioners withdrew their petitions during the hearing.

Court Orders Each Petitioner to Pay ₹5,000

The High Court dismissed the petitions and ordered each of the four petitioners to pay ₹5,000 to the National Testing Agency (NTA).

This decision confirms the court's belief that if someone wants to make claims about an examination record and it requires the court's assistance, then there should be evidence to support the claims.

Candidates Used the NTA's OMR Grievance Process

The NTA stated that the four candidates had already made the same claims through the OMR challenge and grievance redressal process before they decided to go to the High Court.

The agency offered an examination of the candidates' complaints and offered a response. In doing so, the candidates then went on to file a writ petition claiming there was possible tampering and/or interference with the OMR sheets.

NTA Warned Regarding OMR Allegations

The High Court order came after the NTA's public notice dated July 20, 2026, in which the NTA warned its students not to spread false or misleading statements regarding the NEET (UG) 2026 OMR answer sheets on social media.

The agency stated that all candidates are able to verify their answer sheets through the agency's portal and are able to see their scanned OMR sheets as well as the responses. The agency also stated that if candidates have any grievances, they should follow the official grievance redressal process.

What This Means for NEET UG 2026 Aspirants

The NEET (UG) evaluation process has been made more transparent due to the ruling of the Bombay High Court. Also, according to the ruling, unsupported claims of OMR manipulation would not only be dismissed, but would also require the candidates to first use the grievance mechanism before the claim can be filed in any court of law.

The NTA still provides necessary concerns through the grievance mechanism. This mechanism also provides the candidates with scanned copies of the OMR sheets, the recorded responses, and the grievances submitted.