The UGC-NET exam paper, scheduled for Tuesday, was leaked 48 hours prior and sold on the dark web and encrypted social media platforms for ₹ 6 lakh, sources from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed NDTV. In response, the Education Ministry has nullified the exam, citing input from a federal anti-cybercrime unit, amidst ongoing criticism over the NEET-UG test controversy.
The source of the leak remains unidentified. The CBI will collaborate with the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting competitive exams, to trace the origin. The investigation will also probe the potential involvement of coaching centres, where numerous aspirants invest heavily to prepare for exams like NET, NEET, and IAS. CBI officers may visit several centres across different states as part of the inquiry.
On Thursday, the CBI registered its first FIR, based on the ministry’s complaint, against unidentified individuals, suggesting a possible compromise of the exam’s integrity. Sources indicated the presence of a large-scale corruption racket behind the leak. Consequently, officials involved in conducting the exam, including those responsible for setting the questions, will be scrutinized.
The ministry, facing criticism from the opposition over the NEET row, defended the decision to void the NET to uphold the transparency and sanctity of the examination process.
- Advertisement -
Student protests erupted nationwide after the cancellation, with many claiming they had alerted authorities about the leaks days before the exam, but no action was taken. At Lucknow University, students reported that at least one paper had been leaked and sold for as little as ₹ 5,000, circulating via WhatsApp and Telegram groups since June 16.
The UGC-NET, conducted by the University Grants Commission, is a qualifying exam for appointments to professorial posts in colleges and universities, as well as fellowships. Over 11 lakh students had registered for the exam.
The controversies surrounding NET and NEET have led to widespread protests from students and opposition parties, with petitions related to the NEET issue currently under review by the Supreme Court.
