CBI Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown in NEET Paper Leak Case

The investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified on Wednesday as the Central Bureau of Investigation visited the headquarters of the National Testing Agency in New Delhi to collect documents linked to the cancelled examination. The move comes amid growing pressure on authorities to uncover the full extent of the alleged malpractice network that triggered nationwide outrage among students and parents.

According to officials, the CBI team gathered records and documents associated with the conduct of the NEET-UG examination and also interacted with officials who were directly involved in managing the exam process. Investigators are expected to scrutinise examination logistics, digital systems, question paper handling procedures, and communication records to determine how the alleged leak may have occurred.

The agency has already taken custody of multiple suspects earlier arrested or detained by various state police units in connection with the case. Investigators believe the alleged leak may involve an organised network operating across several states. Earlier this week, police teams in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Bihar carried out multiple detentions and interrogations linked to the probe.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, conducted on May 3, was later cancelled after allegations surfaced that question papers had been leaked before the test. The controversy affected more than 22 lakh medical aspirants across the country and sparked criticism from opposition parties, student groups and education experts.

The NTA has announced that candidates will receive refunds of examination fees and that a fresh examination will be conducted without any additional charges. Authorities have also assured students that stricter security protocols and enhanced monitoring systems will be implemented for the re-examination to restore confidence in the process.

The CBI’s latest action indicates that the investigation is now entering a deeper phase focused on identifying the source of the leak, tracing financial and communication links, and determining whether insiders or organised groups were involved in compromising the examination system.