The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has revealed fresh details in the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak case, alleging that the owner of a Maharashtra-based coaching institute paid ₹5 lakh to obtain confidential chemistry questions before the examination.
According to the CBI, the coaching institute owner allegedly bribed one of the paper setters to gain access to chemistry questions prepared for the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The agency informed a special court that 111 out of the 136 questions recovered during the investigation matched the actual examination paper, indicating that highly confidential content had been leaked before the test.
The CBI submitted that the accused had established contact with the paper setter and paid the money in exchange for access to the questions. Investigators believe the leaked material was intended to give selected candidates an unfair advantage in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.
The agency presented these findings while opposing the bail plea of the accused. It argued that the allegations point to a well-planned conspiracy involving multiple individuals and stressed that the investigation is still underway. The CBI told the court that granting bail at this stage could affect the probe and influence witnesses.
The court has reserved its decision on the bail application after hearing arguments from both sides.
The NEET-UG paper leak case has triggered nationwide concern over the integrity of medical entrance examinations. Following allegations of irregularities, the CBI took over the investigation to identify those responsible and examine whether a wider network was involved in leaking examination material.
Officials are continuing to analyse digital evidence, financial transactions and communication records to trace others who may have been part of the alleged conspiracy. The agency has also questioned several individuals linked to coaching institutes and examination-related activities.
The latest disclosure has intensified scrutiny of the examination process and renewed calls for stronger safeguards to prevent future leaks. Education experts say the incident highlights the need for tighter security measures and greater accountability to protect the credibility of competitive examinations.
