The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday registered a case to conduct a “thorough investigation” to ascertain the nature and extent of irregularities in the leak of the National Eligibility Test (UG) examination paper (NEET-UG) held on May 3.
This comes hours after the Center ordered the Central Bank of Iraq to investigate the matter. The federal agency formed and sent special teams to various locations as part of the investigation.
“Based on a written complaint received from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the CBI has registered an FIR [first information report] “With regard to the alleged irregularities and leakage of papers in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 examination for offenses of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft and destruction of evidence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), offenses under Prevention of Corruption Act and offenses under Prevention of Unfair Means Public Scrutiny Act 2024,” a CBI spokesperson said.
More than two million students in 551 cities in India and 15 cities abroad appeared for the NEET-UG test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3. The test was canceled by the center due to paper leakage.
Citing the complaint, the CBI said, “NTA has received a complaint and input regarding the reported distribution of certain documents relating to NEET (UG) 2026 examination which were unauthorizedly circulated prior to the conduct of the examination,” asserting that the allegations “suggest a possible compromise of the sanctity and integrity of the examination process.”
The spokesman added: “The Central Bank of Iraq has taken up the matter to conduct a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the nature and extent of the alleged violations, and the involvement of individuals and entities associated with them.”
The statement added: “Special teams from the Central Bank of Iraq were formed and sent to various locations for investigation.”
Read also:NEET-UG 2024 paper leaked in Jharkhand; NTA officials had no role: CBI
The NTA is in the process of handing over all documents related to NEET-UG 2026, and the details of some officials directly involved in the screening process will also be recorded, said the officials, requesting anonymity.
The original complainant(s), who informed the NTA, will be called for input and the accused arrested by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) will be questioned, officials said.
Since the agency invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act, the role of government officials in the leak has not been ruled out yet.
Opposition leaders criticized the government over cancellation of NEET-UG exam.
Alleging “systemic corruption” in the education system and negligence by the government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the “Amrit Kaal” promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned into an “age of poison” for the country as students’ dreams are “crushed”.
