Nashik: The investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak has intensified after Nashik Police detained a person linked to the case following a request from Rajasthan Police.

Investigators now suspect Nashik may have served as a critical operational hub in the wider paper leak conspiracy involving unauthorised access to secured examination material, digital scanning and encrypted circulation of question papers.

The development comes after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 amid allegations that the integrity of the exam process had been compromised.

The Government of India has since handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Courier staffer under scanner

According to officials, the detained individual is suspected to be connected to a private courier network involved in handling secured examination trunks containing NEET question papers.

“A request from Rajasthan Police was received this morning for taking an individual into custody in connection with the NEET examination paper leak issue. Accordingly, Nashik police Crime Branch Unit 2 has nabbed a person,” said police official Kirankumar Chauhan.

Sources said investigators suspect the courier employee enabled approximately 30 minutes of unauthorised access to examination trunks before the exam.

During this window, portable high-definition scanners were allegedly used to digitally scan question papers stored inside the sealed containers.

Chemistry questions allegedly leaked 42 hours before exam

Investigators believe nearly 120 Chemistry questions may have been leaked around 42 hours before the examination.

Officials suspect the early access allowed organised “solver gangs” enough time to prepare answers and circulate them across multiple states.

The alleged leak has raised serious concerns over the security protocols used for transporting examination papers.

The NEET-UG examination is one of India’s largest competitive exams, conducted for admissions into medical colleges across the country.

This year’s examination was held across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test.

Encrypted Telegram channels used

According to sources, investigators suspect the leaked material was distributed using encrypted Telegram channels and private groups instead of regular communication platforms.

Officials believe this method helped the accused avoid detection during the circulation process.

Investigators also suspect the accused used a leased internet line linked to a startup company to disguise the illegal transfer of data as routine commercial internet traffic.

The use of encrypted digital platforms and covert data transfer methods has added a cybercrime dimension to the investigation.

Secret server traced near Nashik

The Special Operations Group (SOG) has reportedly traced a suspected server facility located on the outskirts of Nashik.

Investigators believe the server may have been used to temporarily store scanned images of the leaked question papers before distribution.

Officials are now attempting to reconstruct the full chain of custody of the leaked material, including how the data was transferred, stored and circulated.

Police are also examining whether additional individuals or organised networks across states were involved in the operation.

NTA cancels exam, re-test schedule awaited

Following the controversy, the National Testing Agency announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026.

In its statement, the agency said information received from law enforcement authorities indicated that the integrity of the examination process had been compromised.

“The re-conducted examination dates, along with the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be communicated through official channels in the coming days,” the NTA said.

The agency also confirmed that the case has been transferred to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation.

The paper leak allegations have sparked outrage among students and parents nationwide, with many demanding stricter safeguards and greater transparency in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations.

The investigation is expected to widen further as authorities trace digital evidence, communication records and financial transactions linked to the alleged leak network.