CBI Files Chargesheet in NEET UG Paper Leak Case
In addition to the chargesheet, the CBI continues to investigate further aspects of the case, including additional suspects and potential new leads.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its first chargesheet in the extensive NEET UG paper leak case, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
The chargesheet, submitted under sections 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy), 201 (Causing Disappearance of Evidence), 409 (Criminal Breach of Trust by Public Servant), 380 (Theft in Dwelling House), 411 (Dishonestly Receiving Stolen Property), 420 (Cheating), and 109 (Abetment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), implicates 13 individuals: Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand, Sikander Yadvendu, Ashutosh Kumar-1, Roshan Kumar, Manish Prakash, Ashutosh Kumar-2, Akhilesh Kumar, Avdesh Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Shivnandan Kumar, and Ayush Raj.
The NEET UG paper leak, which affected the entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses, was first reported as a significant breach of academic integrity. The initial case was registered at Shastri Nagar Police Station in Patna on May 5, 2024. It was subsequently transferred to the CBI on June 23, 2024, for a more comprehensive investigation.
As per a release issued by the CBI, it's investigation has been meticulous, employing advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence technologies, CCTV footage analysis, and tower location data to gather critical evidence. The agency's efforts have led to the arrest of 40 individuals so far, including 15 apprehended by Bihar Police. The CBI has also conducted searches at 58 locations, uncovering a network of individuals allegedly involved in the illegal dissemination of the NEET UG exam papers.
In addition to the chargesheet, the CBI continues to investigate further aspects of the case, including additional suspects and potential new leads. Several accused remain in police or judicial custody as the investigation progresses. The CBI has indicated that supplementary charge sheets may be filed as additional evidence and suspects are identified.
The NEET UG paper leak scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process, and the CBI's ongoing investigation aims to ensure accountability and justice for all parties involved.
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Although the questions are the same in all Sets of the NEET question paper, the order of the sections and questions vary from set to set. The different order of the sections and questions ensure that there is no malpractice conducted during the exam. Even if some questions are absolutely different in separate Sets or languages, the topics and chapters covered and difficulty level remain similar to ensure normalisation. Hence, it can be said that NTA Sets a common question paper carrying 200 questions, after which the questions are distributed across four Sets and six subsets of the NEET question paper. The subjects, and the questions within the subjects are shuffled for each of the NEET question paper Sets. This allows a parity in terms of topics covered and difficulty level, as well as allows avoidance of malpractice.
The total number of questions in the NEET 2026 question paper will be 180, all of which are compulsory. Physics and Chemistry will have 45 questions each, Biology subject will have 90 questions, 45 each from Botany and Zoology. The total number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 180. The optional questions have been removed this year. Moreover, each subject will have single section, with 45 questions. Each question will have four marks and in case of wrong answer, there will be negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer.
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There are generally four Sets of NEET question papers, which are further segregated into six parts. However, in NEET 2025, there were four sets of the NEET question paper, which were named as 45, 46, 47, and 48, and these were not further divided into six subsets, which was followed till the previous year. The names of the NEET 2024 question paper Sets and codes are Q, R, S and T. For the NEET 2024 re-exam, the question paper sets were A, B, C and D. The multiple Sets and codes in the NEET question papers ensure that there is no malpractice in the conduct of the exam. The names of the Sets and codes of the regional NEET question papers are different from the English ones. While distributing the question papers of NEET invigilators had to ensure that they did not give the same set of question papers to two consecutive candidates. Once candidates are given the NEET question paper by invigilators, they need to check whether the question paper and test booklet, or answer sheet, is of the same code. In case of a mismatch, they need to bring the matter to the invigilator's notice. In case they submit the NEET test booklet with a different code from that of the NEET question paper, their exam will stand cancelled.