Exam Papers Hidden In Shoes, Sold For Rs 80,000, Dead CCTV: How Maharashtra TET Paper Was Leaked

Last Updated:July 12, 2026, 13:49 IST

Police say each paper was sold for Rs 80,000 through Maharashtra's coaching network, with intermediaries adding commissions further down the chain.

What was meant to be one of Maharashtra’s most secure examinations was compromised by a surprisingly simple method. According to an Indian Express report, the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 question papers were allegedly smuggled out of a printing press in Agra using a shoe, despite multiple layers of security.

More than six lakh candidates were scheduled to appear for the TET on June 28 at 1,028 centres across the state. The papers had been printed at Agra-based Mahim Patran Pvt Ltd, a press whose identity was known only to the head of the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) to maintain secrecy.

According to the investigation, between June 15 and 17, an employee allegedly folded copies of the question papers, hid them beneath the insole of his shoe and walked out past security guards. The guards, former Army personnel, frisked employees’ clothing but did not check their footwear.

The TET consisted of two papers, each printed in two sets so that one could be selected randomly on exam day. Investigators said all four sets were smuggled out over three days. Police alleged the employees involved were paid Rs 8,000 each and promised a plot of land.

An officer involved in the multi-state investigation told that investigators were surprised the papers were leaked for such a small amount.

Mastermind targeted printing presses

Police believe the alleged mastermind, absconding former coaching teacher Bijendra Gupta, developed a different method from previous paper leak rackets. Instead of targeting paper setters or senior officials, investigators alleged Gupta cultivated employees at printing presses known to handle examination papers from different states. Whatever examination paper arrived at those presses was allegedly leaked.

Officials said the identity of the printing press is kept confidential and known only to the examination council chief. Gupta’s alleged strategy effectively bypassed that safeguard.

According to police, Gupta, originally from Bihar and later based in Bhopal, used his coaching network to identify buyers once papers reached him. Investigators are also examining whether he knew the Agra press had been printing Maharashtra examination papers for over two decades.

Bhiwandi tip-off exposed the leak

The leak surfaced two days before the examination after Thane City Police received information from a person in Bhiwandi claiming he had been approached with copies of the TET paper.

Initially suspecting fraud, police conducted a raid using undercover officers. The education department later confirmed the seized papers were genuine.

The operation led to the first three arrests from Bihar and Haryana. A 20-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was then formed as investigators tracked the source of the leak.

The trail eventually reached Agra, where police arrested current press employees Nareshkumar Mahore alias Nikki and Babulal Kushwahay, along with former employee Sanjay Kumar Sharma.

According to ACP Vijay Marathe, Kushwahay allegedly handed one copy of each paper to Mahore during the packing process. Mahore allegedly concealed the papers inside his shoe before passing them to Sharma, who then delivered them to Gupta through absconding accused Sonukumar Kishanlal.

Police also found another major lapse. CCTV cameras at the press were reportedly not functioning during the period the papers were printed. Investigators said working cameras might have captured the alleged smuggling.

In its statement to police, Mahim Patran Pvt Ltd maintained it had strong security, including former Army personnel, and denied any negligence.

Leaked paper sold for Rs 80,000

Police alleged Gupta sold each paper for Rs 80,000 through Maharashtra’s coaching network, with intermediaries adding commissions further down the chain. Unlike the NEET paper leak, investigators said only physical copies were sold and no papers were circulated on social media.

Investigators said Gupta has previously been arrested in connection with other cases, including the 2023 Odisha Joint Entrance Examination paper leak. His wife, Suman Kumari, has also been arrested for allegedly helping him evade arrest.

Following the incident, the Maharashtra government has constituted a committee headed by Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal to recommend changes to the examination system. Among the options under consideration are computer-based tests similar to those conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell and digital delivery of question papers.

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