NEET Paper Leak: Bihar police report reveals four aspirants memorised answers night before exam

Bihar police are investigating a significant breach in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG) conducted on May 5. An individual suspected of orchestrating the leak has confessed that four aspirants gathered at a predetermined location the night before the exam to memorize answers from the leaked question paper.

Details of the Leak

One of the aspirants involved confirmed in a statement to the police that he traveled from Kota to Patna after being assured by a relative, one of the primary suspects, that he could obtain the NEET question paper in advance. These statements were recorded by the police at Shastri Nagar police station in Patna on the day of the exam.

Previous Government Responses to Exam Leaks

Historically, the government’s response to examination leaks has varied. In 2018, the Class 12 CBSE Economics exam was canceled and rescheduled due to a leak. Conversely, the Class 10 Mathematics paper, also leaked, was not reconducted, with officials citing analysis of the results to argue against any undue advantage.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Thirteen individuals have been arrested and are currently held in a Patna jail. Their statements, recorded under CrPC section 161, may not be admissible in court. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU), now handling the case, has yet to record any statements under CrPC section 164, which would be admissible as they are taken in the presence of a judicial officer.

The accused, including the four examinees, face charges under IPC sections 407, 408, 409 (criminal breach of trust), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

Inside the Examination Leak

One examinee from Samastipur, currently in custody, revealed that he was preparing for the NEET-UG in Kota. He was allegedly instructed by Yadvendu to come to Patna with assurances that the exam papers were “set” and available. The examinee, along with others, was taken to a location on the night of May 4 where he received and memorized the leaked question paper and answer sheet. He stated that the memorized questions matched those on the actual examination held at DY Patil School.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity and security of the NEET-UG examination process, prompting calls for stringent measures to prevent future breaches and ensure fairness in competitive exams.