NEET-UG 2026 paper leak: CBI registers case, forms special teams to probe paper leak

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday registered an FIR to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities and the reported paper leak linked to the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3. The case was registered following a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education after the Centre ordered a CBI probe into the matter. The agency also formed special investigation teams and dispatched them to multiple locations across the country as part of the inquiry into the alleged compromise of the examination process.

According to the CBI, the FIR includes charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft, and destruction of evidence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The agency stated that the allegations suggested a possible compromise of the sanctity and integrity of the examination process. Officials said the National Testing Agency is in the process of handing over all relevant examination records and related documents to investigators.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 3, with more than 20 lakh students appearing for the test across 551 cities in India and 15 cities abroad. The examination was later cancelled following allegations of paper leaks and circulation of unauthorised question-related documents before the test. The government subsequently announced that the examination would be re-conducted on fresh dates to be notified separately.

Investigators are also examining inputs gathered during the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group probe. According to officials, investigators recovered a handwritten “guess paper” allegedly containing 281 questions, of which a significant number reportedly matched questions that appeared in the examination. Sources further stated that investigators identified a social media group with around 400 members where sample papers had allegedly been circulated before the examination.

The CBI stated that special teams have been deployed to ascertain the full extent of the irregularities and identify individuals and entities involved in the alleged leak. Officials said statements of NTA personnel directly associated with the examination process would be recorded, while accused individuals already arrested in connection with the case would also be questioned as part of the investigation. Opposition leaders also criticised the cancellation of the examination and raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the examination system.