In a shocking development, the CBI has uncovered a major scam in the NEET UG 2025 exam. The scam involves the alleged manipulation of exam scores. This has created panic among medical aspirants across the country.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the case. They are currently in extended police custody until June 16th, as ordered by the Special CBI Court in Mumbai. The accused allegedly tricked NEET candidates and their families. They promised higher scores in return for huge payments.
This scandal has raised significant concerns about the security and transparency of one of India’s most prestigious medical entrance examinations—the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG). As the investigation progresses, new layers of deceit and organized criminal activity continue to emerge, further intensifying public scrutiny.
The Arrest and Initial Charges in NEET 2025 Scam
The CBI made its first arrest on June 9th, apprehending the primary accused in Mumbai. Officials arrested the second suspect a day later in Sangli district. They brought both individuals before the Special CBI Court in Mumbai, which initially sent them to custody until June 13th. Due to the case’s seriousness and complexity, the court has now extended their custody until June 16th for further investigation.
The case was officially registered on June 9, 2025. The accused were posing as people with strong connections to the NTA. The NTA conducts the NEET UG exam. They gave false assurances to parents and low-scoring candidates. They claimed they could manipulate NEET UG 2025 scores for a high bribe.
The Modus Operandi: Selling False Hope
The accused demanded ₹90 lakh per candidate. In some cases, they agreed to ₹87.5 lakh after negotiation. Meetings were held at a hotel in Parel, Mumbai. There, the accused met parents and showed fake proof of links to NTA officials.
They promised that the manipulated NEET UG 2025 results would be shown six hours before the official release. This made their scam seem real. Worried parents believed their children would get medical seats even with low scores.
Digital Evidence and Hawala Connections
A major breakthrough came when the CBI conducted a forensic analysis of the mobile phones seized during the arrests. The analysis uncovered incriminating digital evidence, including:
- Candidate names and details
- Roll numbers and admit cards
- OMR sheets and screenshots of scorecards
- Chat records of negotiations with parents
- Records of financial transactions, some routed through Hawala networks
These digital footprints have helped authorities link the suspects to a wider network, which appears to involve admission consultancies operating in Navi Mumbai and Pune.
Co-Accused and Expanding Network
The investigation has also unearthed connections to a co-accused who runs an admission consultancy in Navi Mumbai. Another associate, operating a similar fraudulent scheme in Pune, is also under the scanner. Both were allegedly part of a larger operation aimed at exploiting loopholes in the education system and taking advantage of vulnerable families eager for medical admissions.
The use of Hawala transactions further suggests that the scam may have international financial links, making the investigation even more complex. Authorities are currently working to trace the flow of money and identify additional suspects involved in the network.
No Evidence of NTA Official Involvement
The investigation has so far found no direct involvement of NTA officials or government personnel. The accused misled parents by falsely claiming they had connections with NTA staff. This lie added credibility to their scam and helped them gain the parents’ trust.
This finding offers some reassurance regarding the integrity of the NTA’s internal systems, although it also highlights the need for stronger safeguards against impersonation and manipulation by external agents.
Public Reaction and Impact on NEET UG Aspirants
The revelation of this scam has caused widespread outrage and panic among students, parents, and educational institutions. Over 20 lakh candidates take the NEET UG exam each year, making it a high-pressure test. Any hint of unfair practices damages public confidence in the examination process.
Students who have worked hard to secure high scores feel betrayed, while those who scored lower are now under a cloud of suspicion. The credibility of NEET UG 2025 results is under the scanner, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
As of now, the Special CBI Court in Mumbai has granted an extension of custody for both accused until June 16th, allowing investigators more time to gather evidence and uncover the full extent of the scam. More arrests may follow as the case unfolds.
The CBI is also likely to:
- Investigate all candidates whose names were found in the seized communications
- Examine the role of admission consultancies operating across Maharashtra
- Collaborate with financial enforcement agencies to track Hawala transactions
- Recommend stricter digital safeguards for future exams conducted by NTA
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2025 scam serves as a chilling reminder of how far some individuals will go to exploit a system that already puts immense pressure on young aspirants and their families. The CBI acted swiftly by arresting the culprits and exposing the wider network. However, authorities still need to do much more to restore public trust.
As investigations continue, it is essential for the government and the NTA to enforce stricter verification protocols, implement AI-based fraud detection systems, and create more public awareness to prevent such scams in the future.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the CBI as they work to ensure justice and safeguard the sanctity of one of India’s most important entrance exams.
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