Maharashtra TET 2026 Postponed After Paper Leak
SIT formed to probe inter-state racket as exam for six lakh candidates deferred a day before scheduled date
- Maharashtra TET 2026 postponed after alleged question paper leak.
- Three accused arrested in Bhiwandi with original exam papers.
- SIT formed to investigate inter-state paper leak syndicate.
- Over six lakh candidates affected; fresh exam date to be announced.
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 27th June: The Maharashtra government on Saturday postponed the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026, scheduled for June 28, after an alleged question paper leak led to the arrest of three persons and the exposure of an alleged inter-state examination racket.
The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) said the examination was deferred to ensure complete transparency and facilitate a thorough investigation. More than six lakh candidates were scheduled to appear for the exam at 1,728 centres across 37 locations in the state.
The breakthrough came after Bhiwandi Police, acting on a tip-off, arrested three accused from Bihar and Haryana with copies of the original TET question paper. Education Department officials later confirmed the seized documents were authentic.
Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Pawan Bansod to investigate the leak. Multiple teams have also been dispatched to different states to trace the source of the leak and identify the mastermind behind the alleged inter-state syndicate.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Maharashtra Competitive Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, and the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board and Other Specified Examinations Act.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed the paper leak “highly outrageous” and said he would request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against those responsible. He assured that the culprits would not be spared and reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice.
The MSCE clarified that candidates would not have to register again or pay any additional fee when the examination is rescheduled. Revised dates will be announced on the council’s official website.
The incident triggered sharp political reactions, with Opposition parties accusing the ruling alliance of failing to prevent repeated examination paper leaks and demanding a fair and impartial investigation.
