Nashik Arrest in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case Ahead of Fresh Exam
Nashik Arrest in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case Ahead of Fresh Exam
A suspect from Nashik's Nandgaon village was arrested as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak probe widens, with a CBI inquiry and exam cancellation affecting millions.
NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled after an alleged paper leak sparked a nationwide probe, and authorities have opened a CBI inquiry into the scandal. The decision was announced as part of the ongoing investigations into how the exam question paper was leaked. On May 12, 2026, the government halted the May session, affecting lakhs of students and triggering a plan for a fresh test.
Maharashtra police, acting on a request from Rajasthan Police, arrested one suspect in Nashik district. The accused, reportedly from Nashik's Nandgaon village, was said to be pursuing BAMS. Police said he had changed his appearance to evade arrest, but technical evidence and surveillance helped track him down. The Crime Branch took him into custody and will hand him over to Rajasthan Police.
This is the second time a NEET paper has leaked in recent years; the first was in 2024. Opposition parties criticized the handling of the situation, arguing that the leak affects lakhs of aspirants. Officials say 22 lakh candidates nationwide were affected, including about 2.25 lakh in Maharashtra.
Rohit Pawar of the NCP-SP highlighted the embarrassment for Maharashtra, saying the leak threads reached Nashik and worsened the crisis.
Authorities have formed special teams to probe the case and ensure such leaks do not recur, with a fresh test likely to be scheduled after a thorough investigation.
Across India, the exam had been implemented in 551 cities, with 14 additional cities abroad; more details will follow as investigations continue.
