NEET 2026 paper leak: IMA Maharashtra seeks unbiased CBI probe into detained doctors

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly demanded a completely unbiased and thorough investigation into the doctors detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning regarding the NEET UG 2026 paper leak controversy.

While the association welcomed the agency's ongoing investigation, it stated that it will not, under any circumstances, shield or support the doctors who are suspected or have been detained in connection with this case.

As a result, the association demanded strict legal action against the culprits who are playing with the future of students and compromising the credibility of the medical profession.

Also read- Major reforms introduced after NEET 2026 leak row- NTA files affidavit, Supreme Court stresses fixing accountability

"The CBI should conduct an unbiased probe without any pressure to get to the root of the matter so that the truth is revealed. The State IMA architecture vehemently and publicly condemns any such illegal and unethical activities. Maintaining the credibility of medical entrance exams is absolutely essential for the country's healthcare system. The IMA will never support anyone who causes injustice to deserving and hardworking students," IMA Maharashtra said in a press release. 

Commenting on this, Dr Santosh Kulkarni, President, IMA Maharashtra State, told Medical Dialogues, "We need to make the examination system more secure. Blockchain technology can help track the digital movement of question papers, and unique digital watermarking for each centre can help identify the source of any leak. At the same time, those involved in such malpractice must face strict non-bailable laws, heavy penalties, and long-term imprisonment. Only then can we create a strong deterrent against paper leaks."

The NEET UG 2026 exam was conducted on May 3 by the National Testing Agency and was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in pen-and-paper mode. Over 22.7 lakh aspirants appeared for the examination this year. It took place across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering over 5,400 centres.

However, the NTA on May 12, 2026, declared the cancellation of the examination held on May 3 and subsequently announced the re-examination on June 21, 2026.

This came in the backdrop of the probe by the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group, which reportedly found a “guess paper” containing more than 100 questions similar to those asked in the NEET UG examination. The question paper series under scrutiny has been described as a “guess paper” which reportedly contained around 410 questions. Out of these, nearly 120 questions are alleged to have appeared in the Biology and Chemistry sections of the examination. The investigation found that the leaked papers were circulated through WhatsApp and Telegram groups ahead of the NEET UG 2026 examination.

Due to the alleged controversy, the central government decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. Based on the centre's direction, the CBI registered an FIR in the case and has so far arrested 13 people.

Also read- 'PM Modi personally supervising so there is no lacunae'- Centre tells SC in NEET 2026 paper leak matter