NEET-UG paper leak row: Centre orders probe into private firm, vows strict action

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (File pic)

In a major development amid the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET-UG entrance exam paper leak, the Union Ministry of Education has officially initiated a comprehensive inquiry and administrative action. ​

According to top ministry sources, the central government has launched a thorough investigation into the alleged paper leaks. As a primary step in the crackdown, the Education Ministry has formally sought a detailed report regarding the controversial awarding of an operational contract to a private firm, COEMPT. ​

Sources privy to the development revealed that investigators are meticulously scrutinising the company's technical eligibility and past performance records to understand how it was entrusted with critical responsibilities related to the examination infrastructure, reported IANS.

Centre treating NEET-UG paper leak with utmost seriousness

High-ranking ministry sources have categorically stated that the government is treating the alleged data breach and paper leak with the utmost seriousness. ​

The Education Ministry has further issued a stern warning that strict, exemplary action will be taken against any institutional officials or external representatives found accountable for negligence or complicity.​

While the government continues to interface with cybersecurity agencies and exam board representatives to map out the full extent of the alleged vulnerability, this internal probe signals an immediate attempt to clean up the administrative machinery.​

To fortify examination security, the government has recently handed over the primary investigation to leading central agencies. ​

As per IANS, a high-level committee of technical experts has been constituted to overhaul the digital infrastructure, mandate stricter biometric verification at centres, and implement advanced encryption protocols for paper transmission to prevent future leaks.​

The government has already taken steps, such as ensuring that exam papers are transported by Indian Air Force aircraft. ​

The ministry has also promised that the final findings will lead to a complete overhaul of the current examination management protocol, ensuring absolute transparency and zero tolerance for malpractice in the future.​

Re-test shock leaves students and parents emotionally drained

The National Testing Agency's decision to reconduct NEET following reports of a paper leak has left lakhs of students and parents distressed, with many saying years of preparation, financial investment and emotional effort have been thrown into uncertainty.

The May 3 examination will now be conducted again for all 22 lakh registered candidates after reports of a leak surfaced. According to reports, the leak originated in Rajasthan and spread to other states, with complaints reaching the NTA on May 8. Students across Mumbai said the announcement has shattered morale after months of intense preparation.

"My daughter was sobbing all day, and I had to come back from work to pacify her. It's the students who worked hard, studied for 15 hours a day, who will suffer. After the NEET, we had plans to go abroad to give our daughter a short break, but it has all been cancelled, and she has already begun studying again," a Worli-based parent told Mid-Day.

(With inputs from IANS)