Haryana police have arrested two individuals in Sonipat following allegations of a paper leak involving the CSIR UGC NET 2025 examination. The alleged leak occurred on December 17 , just one day before the national exam was conducted.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) administered the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) on December 18 . This examination qualifies candidates for Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs), lectureships, and PhD admissions in various science fields across India.
Investigation Details and Arrests
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as Neeraj Dhanakad and Sachin. Reports indicate that the CSIR UGC NET question paper reached a ‘cheating mafia gang’ on December 17 . The arrests took place in Sonipat as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators allege that 37 students were provided coaching with the leaked question paper. This coaching operation reportedly occurred within a building located in Sonipat. Each student involved in this alleged scheme was charged an amount between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh for access to the confidential exam material. No official statement has been released by the Haryana police or the state government regarding these specific allegations.
Political Response and Accusations
The alleged paper leak has drawn sharp political criticism. Kumari Selja, a Member of Parliament and General Secretary of the Indian National Congress (INC), condemned the incident. Selja characterized the leak of this national exam as a recurring issue, not an isolated event. She linked it to a broader pattern of recruitment scams and exam irregularities observed in Haryana.
Selja directed her criticism towards the BJP-led state government. She accused the government of repeated administrative failures in preventing such leaks. Her statements highlighted reports of question papers circulating before exams, organized paper-solving gangs, and extortion schemes targeting students. Selja stated these issues point to a significant breakdown in state governance.
“Under the BJP government’s administration, Haryana repeatedly becomes a center for paper leaks, recruitment scams, and exam irregularities,” Selja declared. She further claimed a lack of strict policies, accountability, and serious regard for the future of young people in the state. Selja demanded a comprehensive explanation from the state government. Her demands included details on how the exam’s confidentiality was compromised, the identities of those involved, and reasons for insufficient action following previous incidents.
Purpose of CSIR UGC NET
The CSIR UGC NET examination evaluates the eligibility of candidates seeking careers in scientific research and university teaching. Successful qualification leads to the award of a Junior Research Fellowship, which supports individuals pursuing advanced research degrees like PhDs. Additionally, candidates are deemed eligible for positions as Assistant Professors (lecturers) in higher education institutions. This examination is a critical benchmark for academic and research progression in India’s science and technology sectors, managed by the National Testing Agency.
Implications of Paper Leaks
Paper leaks undermine the fairness and credibility of the examination system. Such incidents create an uneven playing field for honest candidates who prepare diligently. They also erode public trust in administrative bodies responsible for conducting secure and transparent exams. For students, a leaked paper can result in cancelled exams, delayed results, and prolonged uncertainty regarding their academic and career paths. This situation impacts thousands of students nationwide who rely on these exams for their future opportunities.
Ongoing Situation
The investigation into the CSIR UGC NET paper leak remains active. Students and educational stakeholders anticipate further announcements from Haryana police and the state government. Updates will likely follow as the inquiry uncovers more details and actions are taken against those responsible.