NEET-UG 2026 paper leak: CBI takes over probe, reaches Jaipur SOG HQ
Synopsis
The CBI has stepped in to probe the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with a team arriving at Jaipur's SOG headquarters on 12 May. The alleged leak — traced to an MBBS student in Kerala and spread via WhatsApp and Telegram — reportedly saw over 120 questions appear verbatim in the actual exam, raising serious questions about the integrity of India's largest medical entrance test.
Key Takeaways
The CBI officially took over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation on 12 May 2026 , registering an FIR with charges including criminal conspiracy and cheating.
Around 15 individuals have been arrested so far by the Rajasthan SOG across Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Jamwaramgarh , and other districts.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken over the investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, with a CBI team reaching the Special Operations Group (SOG) headquarters in Jaipur during late evening hours on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The Rajasthan SOG handed over all case-related documents, electronic evidence, and details of the approximately 15 accused arrested so far to the central agency.
FIR Registered, Charges Filed
The CBI has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft, and destruction of evidence. Charges have also been added under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The complaint was originally filed by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education.
How the Leak Allegedly Unfolded
According to the complaint, the NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 3 May 2026. Following the exam, the NTA received multiple complaints and intelligence inputs alleging that confidential exam-related documents had been circulated illegally before the test. Investigations indicate that a so-called
Point of View
And what does that say about the NTA's internal controls?
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case?
The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case involves allegations that confidential exam question papers were circulated illegally before the examination conducted by the NTA on 3 May 2026. Over 120 questions from the leaked material reportedly appeared in the actual exam, prompting the CBI to take over the investigation.
Why has the CBI taken over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation?
The CBI took over the case following a complaint by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education, indicating the matter required central-level investigation. The agency has registered an FIR under IPC sections including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and destruction of evidence, as well as under the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
How many people have been arrested in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case?
Around 15 individuals have been arrested so far by the Rajasthan SOG following raids in Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Jamwaramgarh, and other districts. Sources indicate the accused may be taken to Delhi for detailed questioning.
How was the NEET-UG 2026 paper allegedly leaked and circulated?
According to investigators, the question bank was allegedly sent by an MBBS student from Churu district, currently studying in Kerala, to a friend in Sikar on 1 May 2026. It then spread through a PG accommodation operator via WhatsApp and Telegram groups to students in Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu.
How many questions from the leaked material appeared in the actual NEET-UG 2026 exam?
Investigators claim that between 120 and 140 questions from the leaked material appeared verbatim in the final NEET-UG 2026 exam paper. The leaked content reportedly covered questions worth nearly 600 out of 720 marks, spanning Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
