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WhatsApp group, coaching centres: Inside the NEET 'paper leak' scandal
The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak triggered nationwide controversy, leading to the cancellation of the May 3 exam, a CBI-led probe, and multiple arrests. Investigations point to a complex network involving students, counsellors, hostel operators, and coaching centres, with money changing hands and the material circulating via Telegram and WhatsApp.
Why It Matters
The incident raises questions about the integrity of India's largest medical entrance exam and could influence policy debates on exam security, coaching culture, and potential reforms to NEET.
Timeline
8 Events
Protests by student groups and opposition parties
May 14, 2026
Student groups and opposition parties hold protests across multiple states as the paper leak controversy deepens.
Political reaction and accountability calls
May 14, 2026
Opposition parties demand accountability from the Centre and renewed calls to scrap NEET; protests by student groups and opposition parties emerge nationwide.
Leak spread to Rajasthan's coaching hub
May 14, 2026
Officials say the leaked material reached Rajasthan’s coaching hub Sikar through counsellors, hostel operators and coaching centres; a 'guess paper' containing 120 actual NEET questions hidden within a larger set of 410 questions circulated among students before the exam.
Money trail outlined by investigators
May 14, 2026
Investigators describe a money trail: Lokhande allegedly sold the paper to Khairnar for ₹10 lakh; Khairnar passed it to Yash Yadav for ₹15 lakh; the Biwal family in Rajasthan reportedly bought it for ₹30 lakh.
Five arrests in the case
May 14, 2026
The CBI arrested five accused: Dhananjay Lokhande (Maharashtra), Shubham Khairnar (Nashik), Yash Yadav (Gurugram), and Jaipur-based Dinesh Biwal, Mangilal Biwal, and Vikas Biwal, who are alleged to have played key roles in circulating and monetising the leaked paper.
CBI takes over the probe
May 14, 2026
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe into the alleged paper leak, forming multiple teams to trace the source and map the larger network; officials seized mobile phones, laptops and other devices.
NTA cancels NEET-UG 2026 exam and orders re-test
May 14, 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 after inputs from law enforcement agencies raised concerns about exam integrity; a re-test is ordered for more than 22.79 lakh aspirants.
NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3
May 3, 2026
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted on May 3, 2026.