The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has submitted a report to the Union Health Ministry after allegations surfaced that personal data of NEET PG 2025 candidates was leaked online. The alleged data included examination and contact details and was reportedly circulated through third-party digital platforms. NBEMS stated that candidate information is shared only with authorized counselling bodies and that the source of the alleged breach is still under review. The Health Ministry is currently examining the report, and no final determination has been made.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has submitted a detailed report to the Union Health Ministry following allegations that personal data of NEET PG 2025 candidates was leaked online. The issue surfaced after candidates reported that sensitive examination-related information was being circulated and sold on digital platforms. Authorities are currently reviewing the findings, and the matter remains under official examination.
The controversy relates to the alleged unauthorized circulation of candidate data linked to NEET PG 2025. Reports indicate that personal and academic details such as candidate names, roll numbers, ranks, scores, phone numbers, email IDs, parental details, and location data appeared on third-party websites and messaging platforms.
These datasets were reportedly labelled as NEET PG candidate databases and offered for purchase. Sample files shared online appeared to contain accurate information, raising concerns about data security and privacy.
The primary individuals affected are medical graduates who appeared for NEET PG 2025. The issue also involves multiple institutions and authorities:
NBEMS, which conducts the examination
The Union Health Ministry, which is reviewing the submitted report
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state counselling bodies that legally receive candidate data
Unauthorized third-party platforms where data allegedly surfaced
The data leak allegations emerged after candidates reported receiving unsolicited calls and messages from private admission agents. The data was allegedly circulated through online websites and messaging applications, including public digital channels accessible beyond official counselling systems.
NBEMS submitted a formal report to the Health Ministry outlining its internal assessment. According to NBEMS, candidate information is shared only with authorised counselling authorities as part of the admission process. The board stated that the leaked datasets appeared to contain details of only qualified candidates, suggesting that the data may have been accessed after official result processing.
NBEMS has maintained that its examination systems operate under controlled access protocols and that it is currently not possible to identify the exact point where the alleged breach occurred.
NEET PG is the sole gateway for postgraduate medical admissions in India, and the examination’s credibility depends on the secure handling of candidate data. Exposure of personal information may lead to privacy violations, targeted solicitation, misinformation, and potential misuse of candidate identities.
The incident also raises broader concerns about data governance across multiple agencies involved in national-level examinations.
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, mandates strict safeguards for personal data collected by public and private entities. If a breach is confirmed, accountability may extend to any organization found non-compliant with data protection norms.
At present, the Health Ministry is examining the report, and further action will depend on the outcome of this review. No conclusions have been publicly released.
Authorities are expected to evaluate data sharing mechanisms, counselling workflows, and third-party access points involved in NEET PG admissions. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.
(Rh/SS/MSM)
