Did you know that carrying a small device like a calculator during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) can put an end to your medical career even before it starts? NEET is one of the most popular medical entrance exams, and a small act of dishonesty can put your admission into threat.
Lakhs of students appear for the exam with a home to get a seat in MBBS, BDS, and other courses. That is why the concept of unfair means was introduced to keep fairness and transparency in check. This blog lists the activities that qualify as unfair means. So, keep reading and stay cautious to compete in the exam ethically and safely.
Types of Unfair Means in NEET Exam
Preparing for the NEET exam 2026 requires years of hard work, and one unethical activity can affect your career. Here is a list of unfair means in NEET exam that you should not attempt to protect your medical future:
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Carrying Prohibited Items
One of the most common violations is the carrying of prohibited items in the examination hall. Notes, chits, books, calculators, smart watches, Bluetooth, wallets, or written materials – all these items are strictly not allowed. Unintentional possession can lead to suspicion and penalties. It is essential to follow the instructions on the admit card carefully and only bring the essentials, such as a pen, admit card, and valid identification proof.
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Copying from Another Candidate
Checking another candidate’s answer sheet or letting someone copy from your answer sheet is regarded as cheating. Invigilators are trained to observe suspicious body gestures, frequent head rotations, or unusual sitting. Even the slightest attempt to peek at someone’s paper will lead to immediate reporting. NEET assesses merit, and cheating encourages injustice and dishonesty.
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Using Electronic Devices or Smart Gadgets
Electronic devices are a major source of threat to examination security. Mobile phones, smart bands, earbuds, micro earpieces, and programmable devices – all these items are not allowed. It is possible to store or transmit answers using these tools, which is why centres perform comprehensive checks. Possession of any electronic device, whether on or off, can result in disqualification and confiscation of the gadget.
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Impersonation or Proxy Candidates
Impersonation is a severe criminal offence in which an individual impersonates the candidate to take the exam on their behalf. Such fraud is detected through biometric verification, photo matching, and signature checks. In case of detection, the original candidate and the impersonator are subjected to legal proceedings, disqualification, and even police complaints. This misconduct can impact the academic career of a student.
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Sharing Answers or Signalling
Hand signs, whispers, coded motions, or any other means of communicating answers – everything is not allowed. Tapping desks or making eye contact? Yes! These minor gestures are also prohibited. This kind of coordinated behaviour interferes with the fairness of exam surroundings. You should not interact in any way during the test; you should only concentrate on the paper.
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Tampering with OMR Sheets
The OMR sheet is an important document and should be handled with care. Any manipulation of answers with white ink, overwriting, barcode destruction, or any attempt to substitute sheets is considered malpractice. Some candidates attempt to alter the markings once time elapses; this is strongly prohibited. Any kind of suspected tampering can lead to rejection of the answer sheet and cancellation of results.
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Paper Leaks or Malpractice Networks
Cheating, purchasing of answer keys, or participating in paper leaks – each one of them is a serious offence. These actions not only go against exam regulations but also against the law. The government is vigilant about such fraud and imposes severe punishments, such as prohibiting and penalising. Reliance on such shortcuts results in scams and loss of money instead of success.
Consequences and Prevention of Unfair Means in the NEET Exam
When it comes to shaping a medical career, no students want to face lifelong consequences. Here are a few practices to avoid unfair means mistakes and save your professional journey:
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Immediate Disqualification
Thinking about copying an answer from a friend? Well, do not attempt to do that. If caught, you will be instantly disqualified. Invigilators of the NEET exam are trained to detect suspicious behaviour, and even small breaches of the rules, such as carrying chits or electronic gadgets, can result in immediate disqualification. This also implies the loss of an opportunity to rewrite the paper for several years or forever.
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Legal or Criminal Action
Impersonation, fake documents, or organised cheating rackets – all these malpractices can result in severe legal consequences. Police complaints can be filed by the authorities, and candidates can be fined or charged with a crime. Legal records negatively affect educational opportunities and future career.
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Aggressive Frisking and Surveillance
Frisking, metal detectors, CCTV cameras, and biometrics – all these equipments are employed in centres to prevent cheating. With these steps, it is almost impossible to employ unfair means. The candidates are required to be cooperative and not to bring any prohibited items to avoid misunderstanding.
Conclusion
Any involvement in unfair means during NEET can result in immediate disqualification, cancellation of results, or even legal action. To secure your medical career, strictly follow NEET exam guidelines, avoid prohibited items, and rely only on honest preparation.
FAQs: NEET Unfair Means
What is considered unfair means in the NEET exam?
Unfair means in NEET include carrying prohibited items, using electronic devices, copying answers, impersonation, tampering with OMR sheets, or any act that violates the exam rules set by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
What happens if a candidate is caught cheating in NEET?
If a candidate is caught using unfair means in NEET, their exam may be cancelled immediately. Depending on the severity, NTA may also ban the candidate from future exams or take legal action.
Are calculators allowed?
No! Candidates are not allowed to bring calculators or electronic devices into the examination hall. If caught, you can be immediately disqualified.
Are disqualified students eligible again?
Disqualified students can only reappear in the future with the consent of the authorities. However, it also depends on the reason for disqualification in the previous attempt.
Does NTA file police complaints in NEET cheating cases?
In cases involving impersonation, fake documents, or organised malpractice, National Testing Agency can file police complaints under applicable laws.
