NEET vs China’s Gaokao: Why paper leaks are rare despite 1.3 crore candidates

The cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of a large-scale paper leak has once again triggered debate over exam security in India, with growing comparisons being drawn to China’s Gaokao examination system.

While NEET sees participation from around 20 to 25 lakh students annually, China’s Gaokao — regarded as one of the world’s largest and toughest entrance examinations — is taken by nearly 1.3 crore candidates every year.

Despite the enormous scale of the Chinese examination, reports of paper leaks or major irregularities remain relatively rare compared to recurring controversies surrounding competitive exams in India.

NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled earlier this week after allegations emerged that “guess papers” circulating before the exam showed a 95–100% similarity with the actual question paper in subjects such as biology and chemistry. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since taken over the probe.

According to reports, a whistleblower from Rajasthan’s Sikar district first alerted authorities after matching viral papers circulating on WhatsApp with the original NEET question paper. Investigators later alleged that the leak network extended across multiple states.

In contrast, China’s Gaokao system employs extensive security and surveillance measures during examinations. Reports note that authorities use AI-powered monitoring systems, biometric verification, drones, facial recognition systems and electronic signal blockers at exam centres to prevent cheating and leaks.

Chinese authorities also impose strict movement controls around exam centres during the Gaokao period. Flights are rerouted in some regions, construction activities are halted and traffic movement is tightly regulated to ensure students reach centres without disruption.

Unlike NEET, which is limited to admissions into medical colleges, the Gaokao functions as China’s primary national entrance examination for most university programmes across the country. The exam is widely considered one of the most decisive academic events in a student’s life.

Education experts and reports cited in the debate have pointed to structural differences between the two systems. China’s exam administration involves highly centralised state oversight, extensive digital surveillance and severe legal penalties for cheating or leaking papers.

India, meanwhile, has faced repeated controversies over competitive examinations in recent years. Several entrance and recruitment exams, including NEET and government job tests, have faced allegations of leaks, cheating rackets and irregularities.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has previously faced criticism over transparency, exam management and technical lapses. The 2026 cancellation marks the first complete scrapping of the NEET-UG exam since the NTA took over conducting the test in 2019.

The NEET cancellation has affected more than 22 lakh aspirants across India, with the NTA expected to announce fresh examination dates soon.