NEET Exam Update: 5 held by CBI, searches at multiple locations in irregularities and paper leak case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested five individuals and conducted searches at several locations across different parts of the country in connection with alleged irregularities and a paper leak related to the NEET UG-2026 examination, which was cancelled on Tuesday. The CBI -- the country's premier investigative agency -- has so far made three arrests in Jaipur, one in Gurugram and one in Nashik, and is probing several other suspects. The central government decided to hand over the matter to the CBI for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) -- the premier testing organisation under the Ministry of Education responsible for conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) -- is set to announce a re-test schedule in the coming days.

On Tuesday, the agency cancelled the 2026 NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3, after a whistleblower alleged that the question paper was leaked. The CBI had registered a case on May 12 on the basis of a written complaint received from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding alleged irregularities and a paper leak in the conduct of the 2026 NEET UG examination.

An FIR was registered for offences including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

CBI raids in NEET-UG exam case

The agency has already seized several incriminating materials and electronic devices, including mobile phones, and investigators will conduct further searches based on emerging leads, according to sources.

The agency is also coordinating with the Special Operations Group (SOG), Rajasthan, which had conducted a preliminary enquiry in the case.

On Tuesday, the NTA said it will extend full cooperation to the CBI and provide all materials, records and assistance required for the inquiry.

The development comes after the NTA had earlier, on May 8, referred the matter to central agencies for independent verification and necessary action.