NEET-UG leak: Question paper was handwritten, scanned and circulated; students paid lakhs, CBI probe finds

NEW DELHI: A handwritten copy of the NEET UG 2026 question paper was scanned and turned into PDF files in Rajasthan by the father of an aspirant, according to early CBI investigation findings cited by news agency ANI sources.The development comes after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET exam conducted on May 3, a move that impacted lakhs of medical aspirants across the country.Initial probe findings suggested that the question paper was first accessed and then circulated through Yash Yadav, who allegedly passed it to Rajasthan. Investigators say Yash knew Vikas Biwal, whose father, Dinesh Biwal, is accused of scanning the handwritten paper and converting it into digital format.Officials alleged that the scanned paper was then shared with students in coaching centres in Sikar, Rajasthan.Sources also said Yash himself did not clear the exam and is a student of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medical Sciences.CBI has questioned coaching institute staff and owners as part of the investigation. According to ANI, some students have told investigators they paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the leaked material.One of the accused, Shubham Khairnar, has denied being the mastermind behind the leak. The agency is also trying to trace the original source of the question paper.Statements of students and accused persons are being recorded, while officials are also verifying the money trail linked to the case.