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NEET UG 2026: CBI files FIR, forms special teams to probe paper leak
The CBI registered a case and formed special teams to probe alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, hours after the Centre ordered a probe. The NEET exam held on May 3 was cancelled amid these allegations, affecting over 2 million students across India and abroad.
Why It Matters
The investigation touches on the integrity of a high-stakes national examination and could involve government officers, with potential implications for education oversight and governance across the country.
Timeline
7 Events
Opposition response to cancellation and comments by Rahul Gandhi
May 12, 2026
Opposition leaders criticised the government over the cancellation; Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged organised corruption in the education system and criticized the government, suggesting Amrit Kaal had become a 'poison era' for students’ dreams.
Investigation may involve government officers under the Prevention of Corruption Act
May 12, 2026
The agency noted that invoking the Prevention of Corruption Act leaves open the possibility of involvement by government officers in the leak, not ruled out at this stage.
Original complainants to be called; Rajasthan SOG arrests to be interrogated
May 12, 2026
The original complainants who informed NTA will be called to provide inputs, and the accused arrested by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) will be interrogated.
NTA to hand over documents; statements to be recorded
May 12, 2026
Officials said the NTA is in the process of handing over all documents related to NEET-UG 2026, and statements of certain officials directly involved with the examination process will be recorded.
NEET-UG 2026 exam conducted on May 3; cancellation announced
May 12, 2026
NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3 by the National Testing Agency and saw over 2 million students across 551 Indian cities and 15 abroad. The Centre subsequently cancelled the examination due to the alleged paper leak.
CBI registers FIR and forms special teams
May 12, 2026
Based on a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the CBI registered an FIR concerning offences including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft and destruction of evidence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, plus offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act 2024. Special CBI teams were formed and dispatched to various locations.
Centre orders CBI to probe NEET-UG 2026 paper leak
May 12, 2026
The Government of India directed the CBI to conduct a probe into alleged irregularities and possible paper leak in NEET-UG 2026.