CBI finds NEET-UG 2024 Jharkhand leak localized; NTA not involved; Centre cancels 2026 exam amid Rajasthan concerns

Officials said it remains to be seen whether the Rajasthan NEET-UG 2026 leak is the work of a smaller local gang or an organised network involving government officers. The Rajasthan SOG had already taken about 15 people into custody (coaching owners, consultants and solvers); the CBI may form a special team to investigate Rajasthan.

The CBI’s investigation into the 2024 NEET-UG leak concluded that the paper was leaked at the local level in Jharkhand and that NTA officials had no role.

The Centre cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam held on May 3 and ordered a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.

The NTA posted on X detailing security measures: exam materials transported in GPS-tracked vehicles with unique watermark identifiers, and AI-assisted CCTV surveillance at examination centres from a central control room.

The inputs were escalated to central agencies on the morning of May 8, 2026 for independent verification and necessary action.

Inputs regarding alleged malpractice activity were received by NTA on the evening of May 7, 2026.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination was held on May 3.

The Central Bureau of Investigation's 2024 NEET-UG leak probe concludes that the paper was leaked at the local level in Jharkhand and that NTA officials had no role. The probe saw around 50 arrests, including members of a Bihar-based gang, and five charge sheets. A key suspect, Sanjeev Mukhia, arrested by Bihar police, was not charged by the CBI. About 153 beneficiaries/solvers were identified and shared with the NTA for action. The investigation found no systemic problems in the conduct of the exam; cases have been charge-sheeted and trials are ongoing.