CBI arrests five suspects in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case after nationwide raids. Investigators seized electronic devices and incriminating materials while probing a wider conspiracy linked to exam irregularities affecting over 22 lakh medical aspirants across India.
The investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak gathered momentum on Wednesday after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested five suspects and carried out searches at several locations across the country. Officials said the coordinated operation marked a major development in the ongoing probe into irregularities linked to one of India’s most important medical entrance examinations.
According to the CBI, three accused persons were arrested from Jaipur, while one suspect each was taken into custody from Gurugram and Nashik. Investigators are also questioning several other individuals believed to have possible links to the alleged examination leak network.
The agency initiated the investigation after registering a First Information Report (FIR) on May 12 based on a written complaint submitted by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The complaint alleged serious irregularities in the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination and raised suspicions that the question paper had been leaked before the test.
Officials stated that the case has been registered under multiple legal provisions related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, have also been invoked as investigators attempt to uncover the wider network behind the alleged malpractice.
During the searches conducted in multiple cities, the CBI reportedly seized several incriminating materials and electronic gadgets, including mobile phones and digital devices. Investigators are expected to carry out forensic examinations of the seized materials to trace communication records, financial transactions, and possible connections among the accused.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the agency is coordinating closely with the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), which had earlier conducted a preliminary enquiry into the suspected leak. Information collected during the initial state-level probe is now being integrated into the CBI’s nationwide investigation.
In an official statement, the central agency said it is pursuing every possible lead through technical surveillance and forensic analysis. The CBI also assured that the investigation would be carried out in a professional, impartial, and comprehensive manner to identify all individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Earlier in the investigation, the agency had detained three persons from Ahilyanagar and one woman from Pune for questioning. Those detentions reportedly followed disclosures made by Shubham Khairnar, who was arrested earlier in Nashik in connection with the case.
Investigators suspect that Khairnar may have played a central role in procuring and distributing the leaked examination paper across different states. Officials believe his network may have been involved in coordinating candidates, middlemen, and others linked to the alleged scam.
Following his arrest, Khairnar was produced before the Killa Court in Mumbai, which granted the CBI two-day transit custody. The agency is expected to present him before a Delhi court on Thursday for further proceedings related to the investigation.
Sources within the investigating team indicated that more arrests and additional searches are likely in the coming days as fresh evidence emerges. Authorities are examining whether organized groups operated across multiple states to manipulate the examination process and illegally distribute confidential question papers before the test.
The NEET-UG 2026 controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that the question paper had been leaked before the examination held on May 3. The allegations triggered outrage among students and parents across the country, with many demanding a fair and transparent investigation into the conduct of the examination.
The examination, which serves as the gateway for admission into undergraduate medical courses across India, was attended by more than 22 lakh aspirants this year. Following mounting complaints and public pressure, authorities decided to cancel the examination, intensifying concerns among students about uncertainty regarding future admission schedules.
Amid growing criticism and nationwide protests over examination integrity, the Centre transferred the investigation to the CBI to probe the larger conspiracy behind the alleged leak and related irregularities. The case has since evolved into one of the most closely watched education-related investigations in recent years.
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As the investigation continues, students and parents across the country are awaiting clarity on the future course of the examination process, while authorities face increasing pressure to ensure transparency, accountability, and stronger safeguards against unfair practices in public examinations.
