Mumbai, May 13: The investigation into the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 paper leak has officially been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A CBI team arrived at the Special Operations Group (SOG) headquarters in Mumbai late Tuesday evening. Following their arrival, the Rajasthan SOG provided the CBI with all relevant documents, electronic evidence, and details of the suspects arrested so far.
The CBI has registered a First Information Report (FIR) in this case, taking full control of the investigation. The agency has invoked various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of criminal conspiracy, fraud, criminal breach of trust, theft, and destruction of evidence. Additionally, provisions from the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination (Unfair Means Prevention) Act 2024 have also been included.
According to a complaint from the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Department, the NEET exam was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3. Following the exam, the NTA received multiple complaints and intelligence reports indicating that confidential documents had been illegally circulated prior to the examination.
In recent days, the SOG has conducted raids in Jaipur, Jamwaramgarh, Sikar, and other districts, resulting in the arrest of approximately 15 individuals.
Sources suggest that the suspects may be taken to Delhi for further investigation into the entire network involved in preparing and distributing the ‘guess papers’ to students.
The investigation has revealed that several students from Sikar and Jhunjhunu received ‘guess papers’ just two days before the exam. It is claimed that over 120 questions from these papers appeared in the actual examination.
The SOG’s investigation began on May 8, following complaints from Sikar and Jhunjhunu. Officials have indicated that the paper leak network utilized Telegram and WhatsApp groups to disseminate the question papers. It was also discovered that the ‘guess papers’ were first distributed to students in Sikar on May 1.
Furthermore, it has come to light that approximately 600 out of a total of 720 marks were covered in the ‘guess papers,’ with 120-140 questions directly appearing in the exam.
The investigation has traced the origin of the ‘guess papers’ to an MBBS student from Churu district studying in Kerala, who sent them to a friend in Sikar. From there, the papers were distributed to students through a PG accommodation operator.
Law enforcement believes that the operator initially obtained the question bank and later sent it to students and coaching consultants. It is suspected that fearing arrest, the operator later filed a complaint. Several students have also reported the paper leak to the NTA via email.
The investigation is also scrutinizing several coaching centers for their potential involvement in the scandal.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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