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NEET Paper Leak: The CBI has alleged that NTA experts memorized questions during the paper preparation and moderation process and subsequently passed them on to middlemen and coaching networks.

NEET Paper Leak: The CBI has made a major revelation in the investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case. According to the 94-page charge sheet filed in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, the conspiracy to leak the paper began months before the exam, not just immediately prior to it. The investigative agency has alleged that three subject experts appointed by the NTA memorized questions during the preparation and moderation phases and later conveyed them to middlemen and coaching networks.

According to the CBI, there are a total of 13 accused in this case—including three NTA experts—and all are currently in judicial custody. The charge sheet indicates that, in addition to conversations, meetings, and financial transactions among the accused, the agency obtained crucial evidence through WhatsApp chats, Telegram messages, PDFs, photographs of the paper, and forensic analysis of electronic devices. Against this backdrop, let us explain how the NEET paper is prepared at the NTA and the entire process involved until it reaches the exam centers.

First, understand how the NEET paper is prepared.

The process of preparing the NEET question paper begins with subject experts selected by the NTA. Experienced teachers and experts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology form the team responsible for drafting the questions. During the preparation process, arrangements are made to ensure the experts remain isolated from outside contact while drafting the paper. The objective is to prevent any information regarding the questions being prepared from leaking out before the exam. Experts draft questions for various subjects, which are then combined to create a comprehensive question bank. The NEET question paper is designed in accordance with the prescribed syllabus and exam pattern. Once the question paper is drafted, it undergoes a review process.

The final paper file is kept secure.

After the questions are reviewed, the final question paper is prepared. According to available information, the question paper file is stored in a secure system, and a record of access is maintained. The objective is to track who accessed the question paper and how often. Subsequently, the final paper is sent for printing. Security measures remain in place during this stage as well, with an emphasis on limiting the number of individuals who have access to the question paper.

Paper Printed at High-Security Printing Press

The question paper is not printed using standard methods; instead, an authorized printing press is utilized. Printing takes place under CCTV surveillance and with a restricted number of staff members. Officials from the NTA are also present to oversee the printing process. Under security protocols, they are not permitted to carry mobile phones, thereby minimizing the risk of information regarding the question paper leaking out.

Paper Moved to Bank Vault After Printing

Once printed, the question paper is securely dispatched in sealed packets. It is not delivered directly to the examination center but is instead stored in a bank’s strong room or vault. The district administration and police play a key role in ensuring the security of the question paper. Established security arrangements and police assistance are utilized to transport the paper to the examination center.

Question Paper Reaches Center on Exam Day

On the day of the examination, the sealed question papers are retrieved from the bank and transported to the examination center under police security and surveillance. In accordance with established protocols, GPS-monitored vehicles are used for the transportation of the question papers. Upon arrival at the examination center, the sealed packets are opened following a prescribed procedure, and the question papers are then distributed to the students.