A Delhi court on Monday extended the judicial custody of 10 individuals accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case until July 11, 2026. The accused were produced before Additional Sessions Judge at the Rouse Avenue Courts via video conferencing, where the court ordered their continued custody as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presses ahead with its probe into the widespread examination scandal.
Custody Extension Details
The 10 accused, who were arrested in connection with the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) question paper, will remain in judicial custody until July 11, 2026. The court passed the order after the CBI submitted that the investigation is still ongoing and that further custodial interrogation may be required. The accused were not produced physically but appeared via video link from jail.
The case pertains to the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper, which led to the cancellation of the exam and subsequent re-examination. The CBI, which took over the investigation from state police, has arrested multiple individuals, including students, middlemen, and alleged masterminds.
Investigation Progress
The CBI has been conducting extensive searches and interrogations to unravel the entire conspiracy behind the leak. According to sources, the agency has gathered digital evidence and call detail records linking the accused to the crime. The court was informed that the probe is in an advanced stage and that the accused's custody is essential to prevent tampering with evidence and to facilitate further questioning.
“The investigation is progressing, and we have identified several leads. The accused need to be confronted with fresh evidence,” a CBI official stated, requesting anonymity. The agency has also sought the court's permission to conduct polygraph tests on some of the suspects.
Background of the Case
The NEET-UG paper leak came to light in May 2024 when it was revealed that the question paper had been circulated on social media platforms hours before the exam. The incident sparked widespread protests from students and demands for a thorough investigation. The Supreme Court also took suo motu cognizance of the matter and directed the CBI to investigate.
So far, over 20 people have been arrested in connection with the case, including several coaching center owners and employees. The accused face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, criminal conspiracy, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Next Hearing
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 11, 2026, when the court will review the progress of the investigation and decide on the further custody of the accused. The CBI is expected to file a status report before the next date.
The NEET-UG is the entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. The leak has raised serious questions about the security of the examination process and has prompted the National Testing Agency (NTA) to review its procedures.
