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New Delhi: In India, reports of paper leaks following major examinations have increasingly become a source of anxiety and disappointment for students. Similar allegations have emerged after the NEET UG 2026 exam, raising concerns among millions of candidates and their families. Meanwhile, the GaoKao exam in China is once again in the spotlight, as preparations are underway. Known as one of the toughest exams globally, its security measures are deemed so stringent that paper leaks are considered nearly impossible.

NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Incident

The NEET UG 2026 examination took place on Sunday, May 3, across various centers in India and abroad in a single shift. Shortly after the exam, reports surfaced regarding a paper leak in Rajasthan, prompting the state's Special Operations Group (SOG) to investigate claims that some candidates received a set of predicted questions (handwritten practice questions likely to appear in the exam) before the test.

Rajasthan's SOG has arrested two individuals, identified as the alleged masterminds behind this scheme: Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandavaria.

What is GaoKao?

The GaoKao is China's national college entrance examination, serving as a standardized test for admission to higher education institutions across the mainland. Held annually in June, millions of students participate in this exam, which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the world. The examination is administered nationally by the Ministry of Education and conducted at the provincial level. Key subjects in the GaoKao include Chinese language, mathematics, and a foreign language.

Significance of GaoKao

The GaoKao is conducted for high school seniors, typically around 18 years old. It is a crucial pathway for gaining admission to prestigious universities in China. In 2025, approximately 13.35 million students participated in the GaoKao, making it one of the largest examinations globally.

How is GaoKao Leak-Proof?

Given the scale of this examination, military-level security is essential. Flight paths are altered, loud noises like horn blasts are used, and construction near exam centers is prohibited. Attempting to cheat or manipulate the exam is considered a serious criminal offense. Security at exam centers includes drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and police forces, creating a fortress-like environment with military-grade surveillance and confidential handling of question papers.

'State Secret' Classification

China classifies the GaoKao exam under state-level confidentiality and monitoring, making leaks nearly impossible. According to reports from a Hong Kong-based media outlet, GaoKao question papers are categorized as 'state secrets' and managed under some of the strictest security protocols in the world.

These papers are prepared under tight security and printed in specially designated prisons that are highly secure, monitored 24/7 by cameras (CCTV), guards, and isolated working conditions.

Strict Security After Printing

After printing, the papers are transported under armed police protection with GPS tracking, video surveillance, and multi-layered secure storage systems, making them virtually impregnable due to multiple keys and access authorizations. China's anti-cheating network is extensive and sophisticated. Anyone attempting to bring digital devices into the exam centers is quickly apprehended, as security at these locations is equipped with metal detectors and intelligent security gates capable of detecting mobile phones, smartwatches, hidden earpieces, and other electronic devices.