The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case before the Special Fast Track Court at Rouse Avenue Court.

Among those named are three subject experts associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The filing of the chargesheet marks the next stage of the criminal proceedings. The court will now examine the chargesheet before deciding on further legal action.

Three NTA Experts Among Those Named

According to the CBI, the chargesheet names the following NTA subject experts:

• Manisha Mandhare – Biology expert
• Pralhad Vithalrao Kulkarni – Chemistry expert
• Manisha Sanjay Havaldar – Physics expert

The chargesheet also names several other individuals, including alleged intermediaries, coaching institute personnel and private individuals.

According to the agency, all 13 accused are currently in judicial custody.

The allegations against the accused are yet to be examined by the trial court, and guilt has not been established.

Evidence Collected During Investigation

The CBI stated that the chargesheet is supported by:

• 360 witnesses
• 422 documents
• 43 material exhibits

According to the investigating agency, the evidence includes:

• Digital forensic analysis
• Handwriting examination
• Documentary evidence
• Electronic devices seized during the investigation

The agency said its investigation traced the alleged circulation of leaked question papers before the examination.

Nationwide Probe Involved Multiple Raids

To investigate the case, the CBI constituted multiple teams comprising:

• 72 investigating officers
• Eight cyber forensic experts

Officials conducted searches at 92 locations across several states, including:

• Maharashtra
• Rajasthan
• Haryana
• Delhi
• Other parts of the country

During the raids, investigators seized:

• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Digital storage devices
• Documents

The agency also froze certain bank accounts, lockers and a Demat account as part of the investigation.

Charges Invoked by the CBI

The case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

The CBI has also invoked provisions of:

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

These laws deal with offences related to corruption, cheating and examination malpractice.

Background of the Case

The case pertains to the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper for the examination conducted on May 3, 2026.

Following allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities, the National Testing Agency cancelled the examination on May 12, 2026.

The same day, the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education referred the matter to the CBI, which registered an FIR and launched a nationwide investigation.

The agency has stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional action may be taken if further evidence is uncovered.

The CBI has also said it found no evidence against one individual who had previously come under suspicion and therefore did not include that person in the chargesheet.

Why This Matters

The NEET-UG examination is one of India's largest medical entrance tests, with lakhs of aspirants competing for admission to medical colleges each year. Allegations of paper leaks have raised concerns over the integrity of public examinations, prompting stricter legal action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and subsequent court proceedings is likely to influence future examination security measures and public confidence in competitive exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many people have been chargesheeted in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case?

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused.

Are NTA officials among the accused?

The chargesheet names three NTA subject experts. According to the CBI, no government official has been chargesheeted in this case.

Where has the chargesheet been filed?

It has been filed before the Special Fast Track Court at Rouse Avenue Court, New Delhi.

Is the investigation complete?

No. The CBI has stated that the investigation is continuing and that further action may follow if new evidence emerges.

Has anyone been convicted?

No. The filing of a chargesheet is part of the investigation process. The allegations will be examined by the court, and guilt has not been established.