Overview
- The Central Bureau of Investigation is preparing a first chargesheet in the NEET‑UG 2026 paper‑leak probe that will name 13 accused and does not include National Testing Agency officials in the initial filing.
- The Centre has taken rapid administrative steps including termination of 47 NTA staff and the reassignment of education secretary Vineet Joshi while approving draft legislation to increase punishments for paper leaks and creating fast‑track courts to speed cases.
- Mass protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party and joined by student groups and political parties have spread to many states, with protesters insisting on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and demanding compensation for victims.
- Police used tear gas and baton charges during a July 20 march toward Parliament, leaving dozens injured; the Rapid Action Force has opened an inquiry into allegations of excessive force and pellet‑gun use.
- The leak has exposed coaching‑centre networks and prompted reports of student suicides, raising questions about exam security for over 20 lakh re‑exam candidates and signaling likely long‑term reforms in how national tests are run and policed.