Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to pursue leads in the NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities, arresting five individuals across multiple states in the past 24 hours. Raids have been conducted at 14 locations as the agency probes allegations of a widespread paper leak compromising the integrity of the medical entrance test. The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for administering the exam, has stated that a fresh NEET-UG examination will be conducted, with dates to be announced later.
The CBI's investigation suggests a multi-layered distribution network for the leaked question paper, originating potentially from a printing agency in Jaipur and subsequently circulating through intermediaries, coaching centers, and digital channels. Officials are examining financial transactions and claims of question paper provision, with multiple states including Rajasthan, Haryana, and Maharashtra actively involved in the ongoing probe.
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Key Arrests and Suspects Emerge
Among those apprehended are three members of a Rajasthan-based family: Dinesh Biwal, his brother Mangilal Biwal, and Mangilal's son Vikas Biwal, all from Jamwa Ramgarh in Jaipur. The CBI has taken them into transit remand for further interrogation. Also detained are Dr. Yash Yadav from Gurugram and Dr. Shubham Khairnar from Nashik, Maharashtra. Investigators believe Khairnar may have been instrumental in the initial circulation of the digital copy of the paper, reportedly acquired for ₹10 lakh and sold for ₹15 lakh. Yadav allegedly received the paper from Khairnar and passed it to the Biwal brothers for ₹15 lakh, who in turn sold it onward.
The leak is suspected to have originated in Nashik, with Rajasthan police tracing elements of the paper to a student in Kerala. The involvement of coaching institutes and alleged student agents is also under scrutiny, with details of students shared for admissions.
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Questions Loom Over the Extent of the Network
Despite the arrests, questions persist about whether the entire network behind the alleged leak has been uncovered. The CBI has identified approximately 144 beneficiaries who may have received leaked papers or solved answers. The agency has maintained that the investigation remains ongoing, and further searches, arrests, and forensic examinations are anticipated.
The case was registered following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Union education ministry on May 12, 2026, concerning alleged irregularities and paper leakage. Whistleblower inputs reportedly reached the NTA as early as May 7, four days after the examination. While the NTA maintained that the entire paper was not leaked, even a single matching question was deemed to have compromised the examination's integrity.
Political Ramifications and Calls for Reform
The NEET-UG paper leak has ignited a political debate, with accusations and blame games erupting. Calls for abolishing the test and reforms in the NTA have intensified. The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) has also been investigating, having previously detained 15 individuals. The CBI is coordinating with the SOG in its inquiry.
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Background: The NEET-UG Examination
The NEET-UG is the single gateway for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in over 600 medical colleges across India. The examination, held on May 3, 2026, was cancelled on May 12, 2026, due to the allegations of paper leak and other irregularities. The government then tasked the CBI with conducting a comprehensive inquiry.
