Four more arrested for NEET paper leak

Raids across Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra point to a larger conspiracy threatening the credibility of NEET

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested five individuals and carried out simultaneous searches at multiple locations in connection with the paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG) 2026 examination.

Those arrested have been identified as Dr Shubham Khairnar from Nashik, Mangilal Biwal from Jaipur, Vikas Biwal from Jaipur, Dinesh Biwal from Jaipur and Dr Yash Yadav from Gurugram. The arrests were made within 24 hours of the CBI registering the case.

NEET-UG remains the sole gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical and dental courses in over 600 medical colleges across the country. Every year, more than 20 lakh aspirants appear for the test, competing for roughly 1.1 lakh seats.

After receiving a formal written complaint from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the CBI registered the First Information Report (FIR) on May 12 under multiple stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust. The case also invokes the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, a relatively new central legislation specifically designed to curb malpractices such as paper leaks, impersonation and organised cheating in competitive exams.

According to CBI officials, the five accused persons were apprehended from three states: three from Jaipur, Rajasthan; one from Gurugram, Haryana; and one from Nashik, Maharashtra. Teams of investigators simultaneously conducted raids at several premises linked to the suspects, their associates and other individuals believed to be part of the larger network. “Several other suspects are currently being examined, and more arrests are likely in the coming days,” a CBI spokesperson said.

While the agency has so far withheld detailed information on the exact roles played by the arrested individuals, preliminary findings point towards a coordinated attempt to leak the question paper or manipulate the examination process either before or during its conduct. Sources indicate that the probe is examining possible involvement of intermediaries, coaching centre operators and even insiders who may have had access to the question paper or the examination logistics.

The development has triggered widespread concern among students, parents and educationists. Many aspirants who appeared for NEET UG-2026 had already expressed anxiety over reports of irregularities even before the official complaint was filed.

Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of outrage and demands for a thorough, time-bound investigation. The Ministry of Education has been closely monitoring the probe and has assured full cooperation to the CBI.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasised that the government remains “absolutely committed to upholding the sanctity and transparency of all competitive examinations.” The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, is also expected to issue a detailed statement once the investigation makes further progress.

This is not the first time that competitive examinations in India have come under the scanner for alleged leaks. Similar incidents in recent years had prompted the enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which prescribes stringent punishments, including jail terms of up to ten years and heavy fines. The CBI’s swift action in the present case is being seen as a strong message that the new law will be enforced without exception.

The agency has appealed to the general public, candidates, coaching institutes and any other stakeholders possessing credible information to come forward and assist the investigation. It has also cautioned against the circulation of unverified rumours that could hamper the probe or cause unnecessary panic among students.

The CBI is expected to file its first status report in the competent court within the next few days. With the investigation still in its early but intensive phase, further arrests, seizures and revelations are anticipated. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the culprits are brought to justice quickly and that the faith of millions of young Indians in the fairness of the medical admission process is restored, an official added.