CBI files charge sheet in NEET-UG leak case

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against 13 arrested accused in the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak case, charging them with offences including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence and other offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), besides provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.The agency has cited 360 witnesses, 422 documents and 43 material objects in the charge sheet.

All 13 accused named in the charge sheet are currently in judicial custody, the CBI said.Also read: CJP warns 'streets of India will once again become the voice of its young' if Centre's July 25 assurances are brokenCBI registered FIR after Centre's complaint over exam irregularitiesThe Department of Higher Education, Government of India, had lodged a written complaint on May 12, 2026, regarding alleged irregularities and the leak of NEET-UG 2026 examination papers.

The exam was conducted on May 3, 2026.Following the complaint, the CBI registered an FIR on May 12 and formed multiple investigation teams comprising 72 officers and personnel, along with eight cyber forensic experts.The agency conducted searches at 92 locations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and other states.

During the searches, the CBI seized incriminating material, including digital and communication devices and documents.

Forensic imaging and analysis of the seized material has been carried out.Also read: CJP threatens to 'sit on protest again'; warns govt over alleged police action against protestorsLeak chain traced from source to beneficiary candidatesThe CBI said it acted swiftly to identify the source of the leak and trace the chain through which the leaked questions reached beneficiary candidates.The first arrest in the case was made on May 13, 2026.

A total of 13 accused have since been arrested, including three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts from Chemistry, Biology and Physics.The agency said several middlemen involved in sourcing and distributing the leaked questions were also identified and arrested.

Two individuals associated with coaching institutes were arrested for allegedly obtaining the leaked question papers from the subject experts.The CBI also conducted a money trail analysis and froze several bank accounts, bank lockers and a demat account linked to the accused.The agency said digital forensic analysis reports, handwriting expert opinions and academic experts’ opinions on the leaked questions have been obtained.

These reports confirmed the role of the accused in circulating the leaked questions before the date of the examination.Further investigation and forensic analysis in the case are continuing, the CBI said, adding that it is committed to ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences. ...