The investigation into the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper has taken a major turn, with India’s premier investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arresting five people from different parts of the country. Officials confirmed that the arrests were made as the agency intensified its nationwide probe into the controversy that has sparked outrage among students and parents.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, three of the accused were arrested from Jaipur, while one suspect was picked up from Gurugram and another from Nashik. Investigators are also questioning several other individuals in multiple cities, and authorities say more arrests may follow as new leads emerge.
One of the key suspects, 30-year-old Shubham Khairnar from Nashik, is being brought to New Delhi for further interrogation. A local magistrate granted the CBI transit remand after Nashik Police detained him on Tuesday following a request from investigators linked to the case. Officials believe his questioning could provide crucial details about how the examination paper may have been circulated before the test.
The case is linked to the controversial medical entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam, held on May 3, was later cancelled after allegations surfaced that the question paper had been leaked in advance. The development triggered widespread anger among aspirants who spend years preparing for the highly competitive medical entrance test.
Investigators say the CBI began conducting searches at several locations across the country soon after formally taking over the probe. During these operations, officials seized multiple digital devices including mobile phones, laptops and other electronic equipment. These devices will now be examined by forensic experts to trace messages, files, and communications that could reveal how the exam paper was allegedly shared.
Sources within the agency say investigators are particularly focused on tracking communication through messaging applications, which may have been used to distribute the paper before the examination took place. Digital forensic analysis is expected to play a key role in uncovering the network involved in the suspected leak.
The CBI is also working closely with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police, which initially began investigating the case after receiving information about possible irregularities. The SOG had conducted a preliminary inquiry before the case was handed over to the central agency.
As part of the investigation, a CBI team also visited the headquarters of the National Testing Agency in New Delhi to collect documents related to the exam. Officials involved in organizing the examination were questioned, and investigators are examining the entire process to determine whether any security lapses allowed the paper to be compromised.
Officials say the agency has registered a formal FIR and constituted multiple teams to pursue different leads. The investigation will include technical analysis, interrogation of suspects, and examination of digital evidence to identify everyone involved in the alleged leak.
The NEET-UG exam is one of the most important entrance tests in India, conducted annually for admission to medical colleges across the country. With millions of students appearing each year, any allegation of malpractice or paper leaks raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the examination system.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will be thorough and impartial. The CBI says it is committed to identifying the entire network behind the alleged leak and ensuring strict action against those responsible, while students across the country continue to wait for clarity on when the examination will be held again.