India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed charges against 13 people in connection with the leak of question papers for the country’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), days after nationwide protests over the scandal forced the education minister to resign.

About two million students took the NEET examination in May before authorities cancelled the results following allegations that the question papers had been leaked. A fresh examination was subsequently conducted.

The accused include three subject experts from the National Testing Agency, several middlemen accused of obtaining and distributing the leaked question papers, and two individuals linked to coaching institutes who allegedly acquired the papers.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, the CBI said all 13 suspects had been arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and other related offences.

The suspects remain in custody and have not publicly responded to the charges.

Examination paper leaks have become a recurring problem in India. Similar allegations involving the NEET examination emerged in 2024, although authorities did not order a retest at the time.

The scandal sparked weeks of nationwide protests, with thousands of demonstrators gathering in New Delhi and other major cities. The protests subsided after the education minister stepped down.

The unrest intensified after police used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators marching towards parliament.

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday directed authorities not to take coercive action against protesters, ordered the release of all detained minors, and instructed officials to preserve surveillance footage following allegations of police brutality.

The protests also prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to introduce legislation in parliament seeking tougher penalties for examination malpractice, including longer prison sentences and heavier fines.

If convicted under the proposed amendments, those found guilty could face prison terms ranging from five to 10 years and fines of up to 50 million rupees (about $522,000).

The examination paper leak scandal has become one of the biggest political challenges facing Modi’s government during its third term in office. (BBC)

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