The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained five individuals in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak and purported irregularities. The arrests occurred on May 13, following an extensive investigation initiated after a formal complaint was submitted by the Department of Higher Education within the Ministry of Education. This complaint detailed allegations concerning the NEET UG-2026 examination.

The CBI had officially registered a case on May 12. The First Information Report (FIR) cites various charges, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Among those arrested, three individuals were apprehended in Jaipur, one in Gurugram, and another in Nashik. The investigation is ongoing, with several additional suspects being examined.

Ongoing Investigations and Searches

The CBI has expanded its operations across various locations nationwide. As part of this extensive search, a range of incriminating materials has been seized, including electronic devices like mobile phones. The central agency is intensifying its efforts by following leads obtained from technical and forensic analyses.

To assist in the ongoing investigations, the CBI is collaborating with the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Rajasthan, which conducted an initial inquiry concerning the allegations. Furthermore, the CBI has confirmed that it remains dedicated to ensuring a thorough, impartial, and professional probe into the matter.

With each new piece of evidence, the CBI is pursuing all possible leads related to the alleged irregularities associated with the NEET UG examination.

Response from Educational Authorities and Student Groups

On May 9, following increasing concerns over the integrity of the examination process, the NTA announced the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, which was initially conducted on May 3. The organisation is set to re-conduct the examination on a date that will be communicated later.

This decision to cancel the examination has prompted widespread protests among students across the country. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has actively demonstrated against the government’s decision, even staging a protest at Shastri Bhavan, where participants were seen climbing barricades to express their dissent.

In the NEET exam held on May 3, approximately 22.79 lakh students participated, taking the examination across 551 cities in India as well as 14 cities abroad, with more than 5,400 centres utilised for the assessment.

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