Inside the NEET 'paper leak' row that has put the future of 22 lakh medical students in jeopardy

THe alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak out has snowballed into a nationwide contention, triggering arrests crossways multiple states, protests by educatee groups and oppositeness parties, and fresh questions over the credibility of India's biggest medical entrance examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the May 3 exam and ordered a re-test for more than 22 lakh aspirants, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into what investigators describe as a well-organised interstate racket.Investigators claim the leaked paper travelled through a chain involving medical students, counsellors, hostel operators, and coaching centres before spreading through Telegram and WhatsApp groups. The controversy has also taken a political turn as opposition parties demand accountability from the Centre, while several leaders have renewed calls to scrap NEET altogether.Here is the NEET 'paper leak' row explained in 10 points:NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled: The NTA cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 after allegations of a nationwide paper leak surfaced. The NTA said inputs from law enforcement agencies raised concerns about the integrity of the exam process. More than 22.79 lakh students had appeared for the test across India and abroad.Also read: What next for students who appeared for NEET UG examCBI takes over probe: The investigation has been handed over to the CBI, which has formed multiple teams to trace the source of the leak, examine digital evidence, and map the larger network behind the racket. Officials have seized mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices from suspects across several states.Five arrests: The CBI arrested five accused, including Dhananjay Lokhande from Maharashtra, Shubham Khairnar from Nashik, Yash Yadav from Gurugram, and Jaipur-based Dinesh Biwal, Mangilal Biwal, and Vikas Biwal. Investigators allege they played key roles in circulating the leaked paper and monetising it.Money trail: According to investigators, Lokhande allegedly ₹10 lakh">sold the paper to Khairnar for ₹10 lakh. Khairnar then allegedly passed it to Yash Yadav for ₹15 lakh, after which it reached the Biwal family in Rajasthan and was reportedly sold onward for ₹30 lakh.Paper allegedly spread through coaching hubs: Officials claim the leaked material reached Rajasthan’s coaching hub Sikar through counsellors, hostel operators, and coaching centres. A “guess paper” reportedly containing 120 actual NEET questions hidden within a larger set of 410 questions was circulated among students before the exam. Telegram and WhatsApp groups under scanner: Investigators say the paper was circulated through Telegram channels and a paid WhatsApp group called “Private Mafia”, where membership fees reportedly ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000. Police believe the network extended across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala, and Uttarakhand.Fresh detentions in Maharashtra: Pune police detained beautician Manisha Waghmare and Ahilyanagar resident Dhananjay Lokhande on the CBI’s request. Officials suspect Waghmare acted as an intermediary linking students with the accused in exchange for money. Police seized her mobile phone and laptop during the probe. Supreme Court plea seeks reforms: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) moved the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored re-test and replacement of the NTA with a technologically advanced autonomous body. The petition also proposed reforms such as digital locking of question papers and conducting NEET in computer-based mode.Political battle intensifies: Opposition parties including Congress, AAP, and TMC have targeted the BJP-led Centre over the controversy. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal demanded accountability, while Congress leaders called for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. TMC and Congress also alleged links between some accused and BJP leaders in Rajasthan.Vijay's demand to scrap NEET: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay said the latest leak exposed “structural flaws” in the national exam system and reiterated the state’s long-standing demand to abolish NEET. He argued that the exam disadvantages rural, government school, and economically weaker students.