CBI Names 13 Accused, Next Court Hearing on August 3

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a 20,000-page chargesheet before the Rouse Avenue Court against 13 arrested accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, marking a major milestone in one of India’s biggest examination fraud investigations.

During the hearing, the CBI informed the court that while the main chargesheet has been filed, the annexure documents are still being scanned and will be submitted shortly. The court accepted the chargesheet on record and granted the agency additional time to file the remaining documents. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 3.
360 Witnesses, 422 Documents.

According to the CBI, the investigation is backed by 360 witness statements, 422 documentary exhibits, and 43 material objects collected during the probe. The agency said digital forensic analysis, handwriting experts’ reports, and academic assessments indicate that portions of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper were leaked before the examination and that the accused played a role in the conspiracy.

Serious Criminal Charges
The 13 accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. They have also been charged under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. All 13 accused are currently in judicial custody.

Nationwide Investigation
The CBI registered the FIR on May 12, 2026, following a complaint from the Higher Education Department. A special investigation team comprising 72 officers, including eight cyber forensic experts, was constituted to investigate the case.

The agency carried out searches at 92 locations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and other states. During the raids, investigators seized mobile phones, computers, digital storage devices, documents, and other evidence, which were later subjected to forensic examination.

NTA Experts Among the Accused
The CBI has also arrested three subject experts associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) from Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Investigators allege that intermediaries obtained the leaked question paper and circulated it to candidates and others. Two individuals linked to coaching institutes have also been arrested in connection with the case.

Money Trail Under Scanner
As part of the financial investigation, the CBI analysed the alleged money trail and froze multiple bank accounts, bank lockers, and a demat account linked to the accused. The agency believes the financial transactions have helped identify key beneficiaries and members of the paper leak network.

The CBI has stated that the investigation is still ongoing and that more evidence and additional accused could emerge as the probe progresses. The case continues to be closely watched, given its impact on the credibility of one of India’s most important medical entrance examinations.