The fallout from the NEET paper leak controversy continues to reshape India's examination system, with Maharashtra establishing 23 special fast-track courts to handle 203 pending exam malpractice cases.

The newly created courts will hear cases involving paper leaks, recruitment examination fraud, HSC examination cheating, and other forms of examination malpractice. The move follows widespread outrage over the NEET paper leak and aims to ensure faster justice in cases affecting millions of students.

The Bombay High Court has directed the special courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of filing the chargesheet, significantly accelerating the judicial process.

The development comes after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent. The amended law introduces stricter punishments, including five to ten years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for those using unfair means. For service providers involved in examination fraud, the maximum fine has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, while the debarment period has been doubled from four years to eight years.

NEET Paper Leak Fallout | Maharashtra Sets Up 23 Fast-Track Courts To Hear 203 Exam Fraud Cases

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another heated confrontation as the government and the opposition clashed over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen India's anti-paper leak law through stricter punishments, faster investigations, and expedited trials. However, the opposition argued that tougher laws alone cannot restore confidence in the examination system without fixing administrative failures.

Parliament Erupts Over Anti-Paper Leak Bill | Opposition Targets Government on Student Protests

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that no coercive action be taken against protesters involved in the recent student protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party in Delhi's Jantar Mantar and other States.


NEET Saga: First Fast-Track Hearing Delayed

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking accountability for the “barbaric assault on students who were peacefully protesting in Delhi” on July 20, 2026. Mr. Gandhi asked Mr. Shah whether the latter had authorised the use of “lethal force”.


India: Discussion on paper leak in Parliament to take place on Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked India's youth for their positive response to his late-night Instagram message on the NEET paper leak controversy, even as nationwide protests continue to intensify. The government and the CJP are set to hold a third round of talks as student protests enter Day 36. Activist Sonam Wangchuk clarified that he did not strike any deal with the government and ended his hunger strike only to prevent action against protesting students. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, calling it the students' most important demand. Security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar, several Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and thousands are expected to join protests over the weekend.

PM Modi Thanks Youth Amid NEET Protest | Rahul Gandhi Demands Pradhan's Resignation

The main accused in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case was arrested by Bhiwandi Police in Bihar. The accused, identified as Bijendra Kumar Baleshwar Shah, was arrested by the Bhiwandi Police along with his alleged associate Indrajeet Singh, also known as Piku. Following their arrest, both were brought to Bhiwandi, where they are being questioned by officials as part of the ongoing probe.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The main accused in the Maharashtra TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) paper leak, Bijendra Kumar Gupta, was arrested in Bihar by Bhiwandi Police. He has been brought to Pune Airport, from where he will be taken to Bhiwandi (Video Source: Bhiwandi Police/ANI) <a href="https://t.co/WAbUrlXQE2">pic.twitter.com/WAbUrlXQE2</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2080875775016976418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The duo was taken to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone-2 in Bhiwandi as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are now probing the alleged network involved in the leak and trying to establish how the confidential examination material reached the accused.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-neet-protest-18-metro-stations-to-remain-closed-today-check-full-list-1784955075909">Delhi NEET protest: 18 metro stations to remain closed today – Check full list</a>Shah’s arrest takes the total number of people held in the case to 14. Investigators suspect that more people could be linked to the alleged racket as they continue to examine the role of each accused.The case came to light after police received information during an investigation in Bhiwandi that some individuals allegedly had access to details related to the TET question paper before the examination.Following the disclosure, the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) postponed the TET scheduled for June 28. The exam was to be conducted at 1,028 centres across the state.Reportedly, the cancellation affected around six lakh candidates who were preparing for the examination, triggering criticism from opposition leaders.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dharmendra-pradhan-won-t-resign-cjp-leader-warns-tougher-decisions-1784950638008">‘Dharmendra Pradhan won’t resign’? CJP leader warns of tougher decisions</a>Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had earlier attacked the Maharashtra government over the delay in announcing a fresh date for the exam.“Maharashtra TET paper leaked, exam cancelled. 6 lakh candidates left in limbo. Two weeks have passed, no trace of a new date,” Gandhi said in a post on X.He alleged that while students and aspirants were suffering due to the cancellation, those responsible for the leak had not faced consequences. Gandhi demanded a fresh examination schedule, strict action against the accused and age relaxation for affected candidates.Police officials said the investigation will continue to trace the entire chain behind the alleged leak and identify everyone involved.

Main accused Bijendra Kumar Gupta in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case was arrested by Bhiwandi Police in Bihar and brought to Pune Airport. He will now be taken to Bhiwandi for further investigation.

The main accused in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case was arrested by Bhiwandi Police in Bihar. The accused, identified as Bijendra Kumar Baleshwar Shah, was arrested by the Bhiwandi Police along with his alleged associate Indrajeet Singh, also known as Piku. Following their arrest, both were brought to Bhiwandi, where they are being questioned by officials as part of the ongoing probe.

Main accused Bijendra Kumar Baleshwar Shah &nbsp;in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case was arrested by Bhiwandi Police in Bihar and brought to Pune Airport. He will now be taken to Bhiwandi for further investigation.

Maharashtra TET paper leak mastermind Bijendra Kumar Baleshwar Shah arrested in Bihar

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), leading the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, has reaffirmed its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing stricter measures against examination paper leaks. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving government assurances that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters. However, CJP leaders insist the protests will continue until the Education Minister steps down.

NEET Protest: CJP refuses to back down, demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation |Wangchuk ends fast

In today's top headlines:

CJP leaders are set to meet government representatives as the NEET paper leak protest continues at Jantar Mantar.
Opposition MPs protest in Parliament, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Iran issues fresh warnings and reports military action amid escalating tensions with the United States.
Explosions reported in Iran's Bandar Abbas following fresh U.S. strikes.
Ukrainian drone attack targets a warehouse near St. Petersburg.
China issues heavy rain and flood warnings as a tropical storm approaches Guangdong and Fujian.
Spain declares a national emergency as massive wildfires force over 10,000 people to evacuate.

Watch the full report for the latest national and international developments.

CJP Meets Centre | Parliament Protest |  Iran-US Conflict | Spain Wildfires | China Flood Warning

As thousands of protesters continue their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary wave of support is pouring in from across India. People who cannot be present at the protest are using online food delivery platforms to send meals, drinking water, cold drinks and essential supplies directly to the demonstration site. 


NEET Protest: Traders ask government to set up protest site outside Delhi

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide protest on July 24 over the NEET paper leak controversy, calling for accountability and action over alleged examination irregularities. The announcement comes amid ongoing demonstrations and political debate surrounding the NEET row.


NEET row: Protesters demand accountability on paper leak 

The NEET paper leak controversy dominated Day 4 of Parliament's Monsoon Session as protests continued in Delhi and lawyers joined demonstrators by reciting the Preamble to the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts to tackle paper leak cases, while Rahul Gandhi reiterated support for protesting students. The issue has evolved into a major political and constitutional debate, drawing participation from legal professionals, students and opposition leaders.


NEET row: Lawyers recite preamble as NEET protest intensifies across Delhi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of fast-track courts to ensure swift justice in NEET paper leak cases, saying that the future of India's youth cannot be compromised. His remarks come as the CJP-led protest in New Delhi intensifies, with fresh clashes reported between protesters and police near Jantar Mantar. Heavy security has been deployed, multiple Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and protesters continue demanding the resignation of the Education Minister.

PM Modi announces fast-track courts over NEET Paper Leak | CJP protest intensifies in Delhi

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

Political tensions have escalated across India as Congress launched nationwide protests over the detention of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, calling the action illegal and undemocratic. Demonstrations were reported in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, while the BJP organised counter-protests. The confrontation has transformed a protest-related dispute into a major national political battle.


NEET protests: Political showdown intensifies, Congress, BJP face off over Rahul-Priyanka detention

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

Today, June 21, 2026, over 22 lakh medical aspirants are appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination across 5,440 centers in India and abroad. Following the cancellation of the May 3rd exam due to paper leak allegations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has deployed an unprecedented security blanket to restore the sanctity of the medical entrance process.  


Neet-UG 2026 Re-Exam: Massive Security Deployment as 22 Lakh Students Face Crucial Test 

Authorities have stepped up security measures ahead of the NEET re-examination, with access to Telegram reportedly restricted until June 22. Officials allege that certain channels on the platform were being used by cheating rackets to mislead aspirants and spread fabricated claims of paper leaks. The move is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of one of India's most competitive entrance exams and ensure a fair environment for students preparing to retake the test.


NEET Re-Exam Crackdown: Cyber Police Bust Exam Fraud Telegram Networks

The CBI has arrested another key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, claiming she was the source of leaked Physics questions. The accused, an NTA-appointed expert from Pune, allegedly shared questions that later matched the actual exam paper sets.

NEET 2026: NTA Physics Specialist Held Over Alleged NEET 2026 Paper Leak

The NEET paper leak originated from someone linked to the organisation that conducts the examination, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has told a Delhi court.

Shubham Khairnar, the first person to be arrested for the leak, obtained the paper from a person in Pune who “had obtained the same from an NTA source”, Public Prosecutor Neetu Singh, representing CBI, told the court on Friday.

NEET Paper Leak Investigation: CBI Examines Financial Trail Behind Leak

The National Testing Agency has announced June 21 as the date for the next NEET re-examination, urging students to trust only official updates amid widespread confusion online. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the alleged paper leak racket, reportedly examining banking records and UPI transactions linked to suspects. Reports of a possible insider angle have further raised concerns about the integrity of one of India’s biggest entrance exams.

NEET-UG Paper Leak Probe: CBI Digs Banking Details, UPI Transactions Of Paper Leak Racket

The NEET-UG 2026 controversy has deepened after the government announced a fresh medical entrance examination following serious paper leak allegations. Investigators in Rajasthan have detained multiple suspects, while the Centre has ordered a full CBI probe into the suspected cheating network. With nearly 22 lakh students affected, uncertainty now hangs over India’s medical admissions process. Officials say fresh exam dates will be announced soon, but students and parents remain anxious over delays and the credibility of the examination system.

National Testing Agency Cancels NEET UG 2026, CBI Probe Ordered

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), which was earlier scheduled to be held on Saturday (July 6), was indefinitely deferred by the National Testing Agency (NTA).&nbsp;

The new dates for the counselling will be announced soon by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The Supreme Court had on Friday (June 21) refused to postpone the counselling of students who had appeared in the controversy-ridden NEET-UG 2024 examination and whose tests were not scrapped, stating that this is not an "open and shut" process.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nbe-announces-new-neet-pg-exam-dates-two-weeks-after-postponing-them-738256">NBE announces new NEET PG exam dates, two weeks after postponing them</a>

Notices were issued by the top court to the Centre, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and others over a petition which sought the cancellation of the exam over alleged irregularities involved in conducting it on May 5.&nbsp;

<h2>NEET exam controversy and students' future</h2>

The NEET exam was embroiled in a controversy after nearly 24 lakh students took the May 5 exam and the results were declared.&nbsp;

The unusually high number of perfect scores achieved by 67 students raised eyebrows. Questions were also raised on the 'grace marks' awarded, which was not an exam protocol, to 1,563 students.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month said that NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams had suffered from possible indiscretions like question papers being sold on the darknet, as was alleged by the students which also highlighted how the National Testing Agency has been conducting both tests.

Watch:&nbsp;NEET-UG probe case: Investigators spanning several states, CBI make arrests from Bihar, Maharashtra

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-ug-probe-case-investigators-spanning-several-states-cbi-make-arrests-from-bihar-maharashtra-737843/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in Medical Sciences on Friday (July 5) said that the NEET-PG entrance examination will be held on August 11 in two shifts.&nbsp;

The Central government on June 22 decided to postpone the NEET-PG examination as a "precautionary measure".&nbsp;

The NEET-PG entrance examination is held nationwide&nbsp;for admission of children to all MBBS DNB courses, post MBBS direct 6-year DNB courses and NBEMS diploma courses which are available in medical colleges throughout the the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), which was earlier scheduled to be held on Saturday (July 6), was indefinitely deferred by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), which was earlier scheduled to be held on Saturday (July 6), was indefinitely deferred by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The new dates for the counselling will be announced soon by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The Supreme Court had on Friday (June 21) refused to postpone the counselling of students who had appeared in the controversy-ridden NEET-UG 2024 examination and whose tests were not scrapped, stating that this is not an "open and shut" process. Also Read: NBE announces new NEET PG exam dates, two weeks after postponing them Notices were issued by the top court to the Centre, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and others over a petition which sought the cancellation of the exam over alleged irregularities involved in conducting it on May 5. NEET exam controversy and students' future The NEET exam was embroiled in a controversy after nearly 24 lakh students took the May 5 exam and the results were declared. The unusually high number of perfect scores achieved by 67 students raised eyebrows. Questions were also raised on the 'grace marks' awarded, which was not an exam protocol, to 1,563 students. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month said that NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams had suffered from possible indiscretions like question papers being sold on the darknet, as was alleged by the students which also highlighted how the National Testing Agency has been conducting both tests. Watch: NEET-UG probe case: Investigators spanning several states, CBI make arrests from Bihar, Maharashtra Meanwhile, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in Medical Sciences on Friday (July 5) said that the NEET-PG entrance examination will be held on August 11 in two shifts. The Central government on June 22 decided to postpone the NEET-PG examination as a "precautionary measure". The NEET-PG entrance examination is held nationwide for admission of children to all MBBS DNB courses, post MBBS direct 6-year DNB courses and NBEMS diploma courses which are available in medical colleges throughout the the country. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET paper leak row: NTA indefinitely defers UG counselling, new dates to be announced soon

As part of its investigations into the NEET-UGC paper leak case in India. India's investigation agency the CBI arrested an alleged co-conspirator, Aman Singh from Dhanbad in the state of Jharkhand.

NEET paper leak scam: CBI raids apartment in Kolkata

The&nbsp;NEET-PG exam, which is held for admissions to students in postgraduate medical courses, is likely to be held this month, as reported by NDTV,&nbsp;

The government's anti-cybercrime body officials had met with the home ministry over the NEET row.

According to the report, after the alleged incidents of leak, now&nbsp;the question paper will be prepared just two hours before the exam.&nbsp;

Earlier, the NEET-PG exam was postponed hours before it was about to start when it was embroiled in a row over alleged irregularities, which included a leak of papers for the UG exam.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-doctors-day-from-neet-paper-leak-to-death-threats-is-india-treating-its-doctors-right-736835">National Doctors Day | From NEET paper leak to death threats, is India treating its doctors right?</a>

At that time, the government said that it would "undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG, conducted by the National Board of Examinations for medical students".

The government said that the decision was taken while considering the best interest of the students. A committee was constituted by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to probe complaints.

<h2>Irregularities in NEET-UG exam trigger public outcry</h2>

After the exam was scrapped, in which lakhs of aspiring medical professionals had to appear, led to furious protests from students, especially those who had travelled from afar to appear in the exam.

The minister had last month said that NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams had suffered from possible indiscretions like question papers being sold on the darknet, as was alleged by the students which also highlighted how the National Testing Agency has been conducting both tests.

Meanwhile, the NET re-test, which was declared void two days after it was held, will be conducted on July 25-27.

Watch:&nbsp;NEET row in parliament: Indian PM Modi to reply to the Motion of Thanks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neet-row-in-parliament-indian-pm-modi-to-reply-to-the-motion-of-thanks-736942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Supreme Court has also sent a notice to the NTA which needs to submit its&nbsp;reply&nbsp;on July 8.

The NEET exam was embroiled in a controversy after nearly 24 lakh students took the May 5 exam and the results were declared.&nbsp;

The unusually high number of perfect scores achieved by 67 students raised eyebrows. Questions were also raised on the 'grace marks' awarded, which was not an exam protocol, to 1,563 students.

(With inputs from agencies)

The NEET-PG exam, which is held for admissions to students in postgraduate medical courses, is likely to be held this month, as reported by NDTV, The government's anti-cybercrime body officials had met with the home ministry over the NEET row.

The NEET-PG exam, which is held for admissions to students in postgraduate medical courses, is likely to be held this month, as reported by NDTV, The government's anti-cybercrime body officials had met with the home ministry over the NEET row. According to the report, after the alleged incidents of leak, now the question paper will be prepared just two hours before the exam. Earlier, the NEET-PG exam was postponed hours before it was about to start when it was embroiled in a row over alleged irregularities, which included a leak of papers for the UG exam. Also Read: National Doctors Day | From NEET paper leak to death threats, is India treating its doctors right? At that time, the government said that it would "undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG, conducted by the National Board of Examinations for medical students". The government said that the decision was taken while considering the best interest of the students. A committee was constituted by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to probe complaints. Irregularities in NEET-UG exam trigger public outcry After the exam was scrapped, in which lakhs of aspiring medical professionals had to appear, led to furious protests from students, especially those who had travelled from afar to appear in the exam. The minister had last month said that NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams had suffered from possible indiscretions like question papers being sold on the darknet, as was alleged by the students which also highlighted how the National Testing Agency has been conducting both tests. Meanwhile, the NET re-test, which was declared void two days after it was held, will be conducted on July 25-27. Watch: NEET row in parliament: Indian PM Modi to reply to the Motion of Thanks The Supreme Court has also sent a notice to the NTA which needs to submit its reply on July 8. The NEET exam was embroiled in a controversy after nearly 24 lakh students took the May 5 exam and the results were declared. The unusually high number of perfect scores achieved by 67 students raised eyebrows. Questions were also raised on the 'grace marks' awarded, which was not an exam protocol, to 1,563 students. (With inputs from agencies)

Question papers of NEET-PG to be made two hours before exams after row over leaks, irregularities

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