The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially charged 13 individuals implicated in the massive leakage of question papers for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Among those facing serious accusations of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and destruction of evidence are subject experts from the National Testing Agency, various middlemen, and representatives from coaching centers. This development follows the May exam, which saw nearly two million students sit for the test before it was declared void due to the breach, ultimately necessitating a re-test in June.

The scandal sparked widespread unrest across India, with thousands of students taking to the streets to demand accountability, eventually contributing to the resignation of the education minister. In response to the growing public pressure and allegations of police heavy-handedness, India’s Supreme Court has stepped in to protect the rights of demonstrators. Meanwhile, the government is moving forward with stricter legislation, proposing harsh new penalties—including potential decade-long prison sentences and massive fines—to curb future exam fraud and restore integrity to the national testing system.