CBI to Investigate Alleged NEET-UG Exam Irregularities, Takes Over Bihar and Gujarat Cases

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a formal inquiry into the alleged irregularities surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) conducted on May 5. This action follows a directive from the Union Education Ministry, which has been under pressure due to nationwide protests and legal actions by students demanding an investigation into claims of a paper leak.

The ministry's complaint highlighted isolated incidents in several states during the exam's administration. In response, both the Bihar and Gujarat governments have transferred existing cases of NEET-UG paper leaks to the CBI, enabling the central agency to spearhead the probe. In Gujarat, Additional Chief Secretary A K Rakesh issued a notification for the transfer of a case from Godhra Taluka police station, while Bihar's Home Department followed suit with a case from Shastri Nagar police station in Patna.

With the arrest of five additional suspects by Bihar's Economic Offences Unit on Sunday, the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with the paper leak case has reached 18. The CBI is set to re-register these cases alongside its own FIR, underscoring the seriousness with which it is approaching the investigation.

Special CBI teams have been dispatched to Godhra and Patna to collaborate with local police forces, ensuring a thorough examination of all related documents. This move came shortly after the Education Ministry's announcement to entrust the CBI with investigating the alleged exam irregularities, a decision that aligns with demands from protesting students.

The comprehensive investigation will cover potential conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, breach of trust, and evidence destruction involving candidates, institutes, and intermediaries. Officials also indicated that any public servants linked to the exam's conduct might be scrutinized for their roles in the purported misconduct.

Amidst these developments, allegations of irregularities during NEET-UG have sparked widespread protests, legal challenges, and political debates. Ten aspirants have petitioned the Supreme Court for a detailed investigation by both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), alongside a swift probe by Bihar Police.

The Supreme Court has requested responses from various stakeholders on petitions that include calls for cancelling NEET-UG 2024 and for a court-monitored investigation. Concurrently, it has paused proceedings on similar petitions in different high courts.

Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) across thousands of centres domestically and internationally, NEET-UG saw over 23 lakh candidates participate this year. The examination's integrity was questioned following an unprecedented number of perfect scores and controversies over grace marks awarded at certain centres. In response to these issues, the Centre has taken decisive steps including replacing NTA Director General Subodh Singh and establishing a panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to recommend reforms in exam administration.

This series of actions underscores a commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in one of India's most critical entrance exams for medical and related courses. As investigations proceed, stakeholders await outcomes that will hopefully restore confidence in the examination process.