NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Sparks Major Investigation

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports held a meeting on Monday, summoning National Testing Agency Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi. The move comes as authorities delve into the investigation surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak, which led to the test's cancellation.

The re-scheduled examination is slated for June 21. To prevent future incidents, the Union Education Minister announced a switch to computer-based testing mode for NEET-UG next year. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation has identified another suspect in connection with the paper leak.

Among those arrested is Shivaraj Motegaonkar, owner of RCC Coaching Institute in Latur, who was linked to leaked materials. His institute, with its main branch in Latur, has ties to PV Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer associated with the NTA. Searches uncovered a Chemistry question bank mirroring those from the May 3 exam.

In a broader crackdown, the CBI conducted raids at five different locations, seizing pertinent documents and digital evidence. The case was initiated on May 12 following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education. Investigative teams have been deployed across the country, resulting in ten arrests so far.

Key figures from several cities, including Delhi and Jaipur, have been apprehended. Previous detainees appeared in court and are in police custody as questioning continues. Investigations have successfully pinpointed the sources of the Chemistry and Biology paper leaks.

The operation has also led to the arrest of middlemen accused of facilitating special coaching sessions for students using the leaked paper. Authorities are pursuing these leads further as part of an ongoing probe. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)