68 questions in burnt scraps that matched the 'original' NEET-UG paper

The Bihar government has informed the Centre that its probe into the NEET-UG exam indicates a paper leak. This conclusion was drawn by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar, which matched 68 questions from a photocopy of the question paper with the original provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The investigation began when burnt scraps of paper, found on the exam day, were discovered to have a unique exam center code. This code matched Oasis School, a CBSE-affiliated private school in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Based on these findings, the Education Ministry decided to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Although the burnt papers were discovered on the day of the exam, matching them with the NEET-UG paper was delayed due to the NTA's initial reluctance to share information. It was only a week ago that the NTA began cooperating with Bihar's EOU by providing necessary details. The EOU is now tracing the paper's journey from NTA's custody to Oasis School.

A significant clue in this investigation is an envelope containing question papers at Oasis School that had been cut open at the wrong end. The school's principal suspects that the leak occurred before the papers reached the school. CCTV footage shows that the Centre Superintendent and Observer received the packet from one of the designated banks on the morning of the exam.

The EOU has sent digital devices and phones of those arrested to a forensic lab for further clues. The accused have confessed that four examinees memorized answers from the leaked question paper a day before the exam while staying in Rajbanshi Nagar.

The investigation started when Jharkhand Police alerted Bihar Police about a possible leak. Several suspects were arrested, and a burnt question paper was found at a house in Rajbanshi Nagar.

The arrests were announced on May 7, and all suspects were placed in judicial custody. Initially, Patna police did not classify it as a paper leak, but on May 11, the investigation was handed over to the EOU.

This investigation highlights significant lapses in handling sensitive examination materials and underscores the need for stringent measures to prevent such leaks. The transfer of the investigation to the CBI is expected to bring more clarity and accountability to the process, ensuring that the integrity of the NEET-UG examination is maintained.

The NEET-UG paper leak investigation underscores the critical need for robust protocols in handling examination materials. The Bihar government's probe, now transferred to the CBI, aims to identify and address the root causes of this breach. This ongoing investigation highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of high-stakes exams and ensuring that all involved parties adhere to strict guidelines to prevent future occurrences.