CBI files FIR over NEET UG exam irregularities (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a FIR in connection with the alleged paper leak and irregularities linked to the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted earlier this month.
The agency acted on a written complaint received from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. According to officials, the FIR includes charges related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, theft and destruction of evidence under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 have also been invoked.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate admissions, commonly known as NEET-UG, was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3, 2026.
According to the complaint submitted to the CBI, the NTA received information and complaints suggesting that certain documents linked to the examination had allegedly been circulated without authorisation before the test was held.
Officials said the allegations raised concerns over a possible compromise of the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
In an official statement, the CBI confirmed that it has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the nature and extent of the alleged irregularities.
The agency said the probe would focus on identifying individuals, groups or entities that may have been involved in leaking examination-related material or facilitating unfair practices connected to the exam.
The statement also noted that investigators would examine whether there was any organised network behind the alleged circulation of documents before the examination.
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The CBI has formed special investigation teams and dispatched them to different parts of the country as part of the inquiry.
Officials have not disclosed the locations being investigated or the number of people under scrutiny at this stage. However, sources indicated that evidence collection and questioning of relevant individuals have already begun.
The development has intensified anxiety among lakhs of medical aspirants and parents across the country. NEET-UG remains the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India, making the integrity of the examination process a matter of national importance.
The CBI has said it is committed to carrying out a thorough and impartial investigation to identify those responsible in the case.
