NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak: Investigators Trace Network Spanning Multiple States
The investigation into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak has uncovered a sprawling network that appears to stretch across several Indian states. What began as a localized probe has now taken on national significance, with authorities in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Maharashtra all reporting connections to the case. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), which is leading the initial inquiry, has already detained more than 14 individuals, and questioning of additional suspects remains ongoing.
Fresh Arrest in Nashik Adds to Growing List
On Tuesday, police in Nashik, Maharashtra, took a suspect into custody in connection with the leak. Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirankumar Chauhan confirmed that a request from Rajasthan Police arrived early in the morning, prompting the local Crime Branch Unit-2 to act swiftly. The detained individual has been identified as Shubham Khairnar, who is suspected of involvement in the distribution of leaked question papers for the NEET UG 2026 examination.
Following the arrest, four teams from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrived at the Nashik Crime Branch office to take custody of Khairnar for further interrogation. This development underscores the seriousness with which central agencies are treating the case.
Rajasthan Emerges as the Epicenter of the Leak
Investigators have zeroed in on the Sikar district of Rajasthan as a critical focal point of the operation. The SOG has conducted raids across multiple locations, including Dehradun, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu, seizing mobile devices, chat logs, call records, and digital documents from suspects. A person detained in Jaipur is also believed to be a significant link in the chain, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
So far, the probe has identified the following locations as connected to the network:
- Sikar, Rajasthan
- Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Churu, Rajasthan
- Nagaur, Rajasthan
- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Kerala
- Nashik, Maharashtra
Question Papers Sold for Lakhs Before Exam Day
According to sources, the alleged question paper, initially referred to as a “guess paper,” was being sold for substantial sums—running into lakhs of rupees—in the early stages. However, as the exam date drew closer, the price reportedly dropped to just a few thousand rupees. Investigative agencies are now meticulously tracing the money trail and mapping the digital communications between the accused to understand the full scope of the operation.
In a significant development, the central government has handed over the entire investigation to the CBI, signaling that the matter is being treated with the highest priority at the national level.
NTA Announces Re-Examination
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination, which was originally held on May 3, and has announced that a fresh test will be conducted. The new dates for the re-examination are expected to be released shortly, along with a schedule for issuing updated admit cards through official channels.
The agency has clarified that candidate information, registration data, and selected exam centers from the May 2026 cycle will remain valid for the upcoming test. This means students will not be required to go through the application process again. However, officials have emphasized that the investigation is still in progress, and final conclusions will only be drawn after the official report is released.
This year, approximately 22.79 lakh candidates registered for the NEET UG examination from across the country. The test was conducted in 551 cities within India and 14 cities abroad, making the logistics of the re-examination a substantial undertaking for the authorities.
As the CBI deepens its probe, questions continue to mount over how such a large-scale leak could occur despite the elaborate security measures typically associated with high-stakes medical entrance exams. For now, aspiring medical students and their families await clarity on the new exam schedule while investigators work to dismantle the network behind this unprecedented breach.
