The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against 13 accused in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, alleging their involvement in the circulation of leaked examination material before the test date. The chargesheet was submitted before a special court and includes paper experts, individuals linked to coaching centres, middlemen and beneficiary candidates, according to officials. The investigation agency has cited extensive evidence, including digital forensic reports and expert opinions, to support its findings.
The CBI has invoked multiple charges against the accused, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence and other offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The agency has also included charges related to alleged criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act and violations under the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. All 13 accused named in the chargesheet are currently in judicial custody, the agency said. According to the CBI, the chargesheet is supported by 360 witnesses, 422 documents and 43 material objects collected during the investigation.
The agency said it has attached digital forensic analysis reports, handwriting expert assessments and opinions from academic specialists regarding the alleged leaked questions. These reports, according to the CBI, established the role of the accused in the distribution of examination questions before the scheduled date of the NEET UG 2026 examination. "The reports confirmed the role of the accused in circulation of leaked questions prior to the date of examination," the CBI spokesperson said in a statement. Investigators have alleged that the accused were involved in a network responsible for obtaining and sharing confidential examination material, affecting the integrity of one of the country’s largest medical entrance examinations.
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The CBI was handed over the investigation on May 12 following allegations of irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3. The controversy surrounding the examination led to widespread criticism and demands for action from students, political parties and education stakeholders. Following the allegations, authorities cancelled the examination and later conducted a re-examination on June 21. The NEET paper leak controversy also became a major political issue, with student groups and opposition parties raising concerns over examination security and accountability.
A youth-led protest movement at Jantar Mantar, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, intensified pressure on the government and eventually resulted in the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests highlighted growing concerns among students regarding transparency in competitive examinations. With the filing of the chargesheet, the CBI has moved the case into the next stage of legal proceedings. The special court will now examine the evidence submitted by the agency and determine further action in accordance with legal procedures. The investigation agency said it will continue pursuing any additional leads related to the alleged paper leak network to ensure accountability for those responsible.
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