Some NEET candidates had to part with original documents, pay later: CBI probe

📌 Summary:

• CBI probe into NEET-UG question paper leak has uncovered two modus operandi used by accused
• Modus 1: Candidates made upfront cash payments in exchange for leaked questions
• Modus 2: Candidates handed over original school identity/academic documents as collateral; documents returned only after exam was written and balance paid
• CBI searches/seizures recovered original IDs and academic certificates of several students from arrested persons
• Indicates an organised "exam-leak ecosystem" exploiting candidates' lack of bargaining power and trust deficit between leak networks and clients

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 Governance — integrity of competitive examinations, role of regulatory bodies (NTA, CBI); GS4 Ethics — exploitation of aspirants, organised cheating.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate) — conducted by NTA for MBBS/BDS/AYUSH admissions
• CBI is a statutory body under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946
• Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 — central anti-cheating law for public exams

🔑 Key Term: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 — central law that criminalises paper leaks, impersonation and organised cheating in central public exams, with jail terms up to 10 years.