The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused, including three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts, in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The chargesheet has been submitted before the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi and will now be examined by the Special Fast-Track Court constituted to hear cases involving public examination paper leaks.
According to the investigating agency, all 13 accused are currently in judicial custody. The CBI stated that the chargesheet names only private individuals and does not include any government officials.
Three NTA Experts Named in Chargesheet
The chargesheet includes three subject experts associated with the National Testing Agency:
- NTA Biology expert
- NTA Chemistry expert
- NTA Physics expert
Apart from the subject experts, the chargesheet names several alleged middlemen, coaching institute officials, and individuals accused of facilitating the circulation of the leaked question paper before the examination.
Investigators allege that the accused were part of a larger network involved in the illegal distribution of confidential examination material.
Coaching Institute Officials Also Named
Among those named in the chargesheet are officials associated with private coaching institutes.
The CBI alleges that individuals connected with coaching centres were involved in the wider conspiracy linked to the paper leak. According to the agency, all accused remain in judicial custody as the investigation proceeds.
Chargesheet Backed by Extensive Evidence
The CBI stated that the chargesheet is supported by substantial documentary and forensic evidence, including:
- Statements from 360 witnesses
- 422 documents
- 43 material exhibits
The investigating agency said the evidence was gathered during an extensive nationwide probe into the alleged examination fraud.
Nationwide Investigation Included 92 Raids
To investigate the case, the CBI formed multiple investigation teams comprising:
- 72 investigating officers
- 8 cyber forensic experts
The agency conducted 92 raids across multiple states, including:
- Maharashtra
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Delhi
- Other locations across India
During the searches, investigators seized:
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Digital storage devices
- Documents and records
The seized materials were examined using digital forensic techniques.
According to the agency, forensic analysis, handwriting examination, and digital evidence helped establish the alleged chain through which the question paper was leaked and circulated before the examination.
The investigation also resulted in the freezing of bank accounts, bank lockers, and a Demat account linked to the accused.
Charges Filed Under Multiple Laws
The CBI has invoked several legal provisions, including sections of:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
The agency stated that these provisions relate to conspiracy, cheating, corruption, and unfair practices in public examinations.
Investigation Began After NEET-UG 2026 Examination
The case relates to the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper for the examination conducted on May 3, 2026.
Following allegations of a paper leak and examination irregularities, the National Testing Agency cancelled the examination on May 12, 2026. On the same day, the matter was referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Ministry of Education, leading to the registration of an FIR and the launch of a nationwide investigation.
The filing of the chargesheet marks the next phase of the case. The Special Fast-Track Court at Rouse Avenue will now examine the chargesheet before deciding on further legal proceedings.
The CBI has also confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that further action may be taken if additional evidence or individuals linked to the alleged conspiracy are identified.
Key Highlights
- CBI has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.
- Three NTA subject experts are among those named in the chargesheet.
- The investigation included 92 raids across multiple states.
- Investigators collected evidence from 360 witnesses, 422 documents, and 43 material exhibits.
- Digital forensic analysis and handwriting examination reportedly helped trace the alleged paper leak.
- The case will now be heard by the Special Fast-Track Court at Rouse Avenue, Delhi.
FAQs
1. What is the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case?
It is an investigation into the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper before the examination conducted on May 3, 2026.
2. How many people have been chargesheeted by the CBI?
The CBI has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused in the case.
3. Are NTA experts named in the chargesheet?
Yes. Three National Testing Agency subject experts have been named among the accused.
4. Were any government officials chargesheeted?
According to the CBI, no government officials have been chargesheeted in this case.
5. What evidence supports the CBI chargesheet?
The chargesheet is supported by 360 witnesses, 422 documents, 43 material exhibits, digital forensic evidence, and handwriting analysis.
6. How extensive was the CBI investigation?
The investigation involved 72 officers, eight cyber forensic experts, and raids at 92 locations across several states.
7. Which court will hear the case?
The Special Fast-Track Court at Rouse Avenue, Delhi, will examine the chargesheet and oversee further proceedings.
8. Which laws have been invoked in the case?
The CBI has invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
9. Why was the NEET-UG 2026 examination cancelled?
The examination was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak and other examination-related irregularities.
10. Is the investigation complete?
No. The CBI has stated that the investigation is continuing and further action may be taken if new evidence emerges.
