The alleged leak of NEET-UG 2026 papers has escalated into a nationwide controversy, leading to arrests in multiple states, protests by student groups and opposition parties, and raising fresh questions about the credibility of India’s largest medical entrance exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the May 3 exam and ordered re-testing for over 22 lakh aspirants, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe into what investigators described as a well-organised inter-state racket.
Investigators claim that the leaked paper traveled through a chain involving medical students, counsellors, hostel operators and coaching centers before spreading across Telegram and WhatsApp groups. The controversy also took a political turn with opposition parties demanding accountability from the Centre, while several leaders renewed their calls for scrapping NEET altogether.
Here is the explanation of NEET Paper Leakage class in 10 points:
NEET-UG 2026 exam has been cancelled: NTA canceled the NEET-UG 2026 exam conducted on May 3 after allegations of a nationwide paper leak surfaced. The NTA said inputs from law enforcement agencies raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process. More than 22.79 lakh students appeared for the exam across India and abroad.
Read also: What’s next for students who appeared for NEET UG exam
The Central Bank of Iraq is investigating: The investigation was handed over to the CBI, which formed multiple teams to trace the source of the leak, examine digital evidence, and map the larger network behind the racket. Officials confiscated cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices from suspects in several states.
Five arrests: The CBI arrested five accused, including Dhananjay Lokhande from Maharashtra, Shubham Khairnar from Nashik, Yash Yadav from Gurugram, Dinesh Piwal from Jaipur, Mangilal Piwal and Vikas Piwal. Investigators claim they played key roles in circulating and monetizing the leaked paper.
Money trail: According to investigators, Lokhande allegedly ₹10 lakh”>she sold the paper to Khairnar for $10 lakh. Khairnar then allegedly passed it to Yash Yadav $15 lakh, after which it reached the Bewal family in Rajasthan and was sold for that $30 lakh.
The paper is allegedly spread across training centres: Officials claim that the leaked material reached the Sikar coaching center in Rajasthan through consultants, hostel operators and coaching centres. The ‘Guess Sheet’ is said to contain 120 actual NEET questions hidden within a larger set of 410 questions distributed among students before the exam.
Telegram and WhatsApp groups under the scanner: Investigators say the paper was circulated through Telegram channels and a paid WhatsApp group called “Private Mafia,” where membership fees are said to have ranged from $5000 LBP $30,000. Police believe the network extended across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala and Uttarakhand.
New arrests in Maharashtra: Pune police have arrested beauty expert Manisha Waghmaar and Dhananjay Lokhande, a resident of Ahilyanagar, on the request of the CBI. Officials suspect that Waghmare acted as an intermediary who connected the students to the accused in exchange for money. Police confiscated her mobile phone and laptop during the investigation.
Supreme Court petition seeks reforms: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has moved the Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of court-monitored examination and replacement of the NTA with an independent, technologically advanced body. The petition also suggested reforms like digital locking of question papers and conducting NEET in computer-based mode.
The political battle escalates: Opposition parties including Congress, AAP and TMC targeted the BJP-led Center over the controversy. AAP president Arvind Kejriwal demanded accountability, while Congress leaders called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The TMC and Congress also alleged links between some of the accused and BJP leaders in Rajasthan.
Vijay’s request to cancel NEET: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said the latest leak exposed “structural flaws” in the national examination system and confirmed the state’s long-standing demand to scrap NEET. He said the exam disadvantaged rural students, government schools and economically weaker students.
