CBI Files FIR In Now-cancelled UGC-NET Exam Paper Leak, Probe Underway – News18

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday filed an FIR in the UGC-Net exam paper leak case under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating. More sections could be added depending on further investigation into the case.

The development comes a day after the Centre ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET amid serious questions on the “integrity” of the exams.

Earlier in the day, the Union Education Ministry handed over the matter to the CBI for probe. Speaking at a press conference, Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said prima facie the government felt the exam had been compromised.

“No complaints were received but the inputs we received from agencies indicated that the integrity of the exam has been compromised. The action was taken suo motu to safeguard the interests of the students,” Jaiswal said.

“9 lakh students had participated in the UGC-NET exam that the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted on June 18. The ministry saw that there was a chance that the examination had been compromised. The ministry has decided to cancel the examination. The next date will be declared soon. The matter has been referred to the CBI,” he added.

On Wednesday, the Union education ministry ordered the cancellation of UGC-NET following inputs of the exam’s integrity being compromised. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately.

The NET exam was cancelled amid allegations of question paper leaks in states like Bihar and other irregularities in the prestigious NEET examination. The allegations have led to protests in several cities and the filing of petitions in several high courts as well as the Supreme Court.

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