India, May 14 -- The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has snowballed into a nationwide controversy, triggering arrests across multiple states, protests by student groups and opposition parties, and fresh questions over the credibility of India's biggest medical entrance examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the May 3 exam and ordered a re-test for more than 22 lakh aspirants, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe into what investigators describe as a well-organised interstate racket.

Investigators claim the leaked paper travelled through a chain involving medical students, counsellors, hostel operators, and coaching centres before spreading through Telegram and WhatsApp groups. The...