Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: 3 Arrested With Multiple Question Sets, Exam Postponed

The alleged Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 paper leak has triggered a statewide security and administrative crisis after three men were arrested in Thane district with four sets of question papers, prompting authorities to postpone the examination scheduled for June 28 and launch a wider probe into an alleged interstate racket .

According to police, the arrests were made during a trap operation in the Kongaon area of Thane after a confidential tip-off that individuals were attempting to sell leaked examination papers. During the raid, officials recovered four sets of question papers along with multiple debit and credit cards from the accused, who had reportedly travelled from Delhi and have links to Haryana and Bihar. Investigators believe the material may have originated outside Maharashtra, possibly from Delhi, indicating a cross-state supply chain.

Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Dubey said preliminary investigation suggests that around Rs 1.5 crore was allegedly demanded for the leaked papers, pointing to a high-value organised racket. The prime accused remains absconding , while a special investigation team (SIT) comprising senior officers has been formed to trace the network across multiple states and examine financial transactions linked to the operation.

The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE), Pune , has postponed the TET 2026 exam and initiated an internal inquiry to verify whether the recovered documents were genuine question papers or mock sets. The council said the decision was taken to ensure transparency and integrity of the examination process , while assuring candidates that no re-registration or additional fee will be required for the rescheduled exam. Reports also indicate that the breach was detected shortly before the scheduled exam, raising concerns over last-minute security compromise .

Opposition leaders have reacted sharply, alleging repeated failures in preventing exam paper leaks and demanding a comprehensive investigation into possible systemic lapses. Officials, however, maintain that strict action will be taken against all those involved once the full network is identified.