In response to widespread anger over the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination due to a paper leak, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the investigation. The agency registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The FIR cites various offenses under the Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act 2024 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, including criminal conspiracy and cheating. Investigators believe that while the leak originated in Rajasthan, it has connections to states like Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Kerala. Preliminary findings reveal that approximately 60 questions from the leaked materials were identical to those on the actual exam conducted on May 3, 2026. The CBI is scrutinizing a WhatsApp group with over 400 members, which allegedly facilitated the sharing of leaked question banks. Additionally, they are investigating Rakesh Mandawaria, an education consultant in Sikar, who is suspected of being the first to receive the leaked papers. The CBI plans to conduct forensic tests on digital devices belonging to Mandawaria and other suspects, as well as follow the money trail to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy.