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CBI Investigates NEET Aspirant Deaths in Patna Hostel

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 21:57 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: Bihar, INDIA

Patna, Bihar - February 19th, 2026 - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now leading the investigation into the tragic deaths of seven National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants who perished in a Patna hostel, a case that has ignited a national outcry and shone a harsh spotlight on the pressures faced by students competing for limited medical seats in India. The agency formally took over the probe yesterday, following a directive from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

The initial findings, revealed by local police before the CBI's involvement, pointed to deeply concerning conditions within the hostel - a facility purportedly catering to students preparing for the intensely competitive NEET exam. Reports detailed inadequate ventilation, appalling sanitation, and indications of potential food contamination. While these factors are being rigorously investigated as immediate causes, the scale of the tragedy has prompted questions far beyond the immediate physical environment.

Beyond the Hostel Walls: The NEET Pressure Cooker

The deaths aren't simply a matter of hostel mismanagement; they represent a symptom of a much larger problem: the immense pressure cooker that is the Indian NEET examination. Each year, over 2.3 million students compete for approximately 90,000 medical seats, creating an extraordinarily competitive environment. This competition fuels a booming, largely unregulated, coaching industry, particularly in cities like Patna, Kota, and others that have become synonymous with NEET preparation. Many students, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, relocate to these cities, becoming entirely dependent on private hostels and coaching centers.

These centers, while often claiming high success rates, frequently operate with minimal oversight. Concerns have long been raised about overcrowded classrooms, relentless schedules, and a lack of focus on student well-being. The emphasis on rote learning and achieving top ranks can leave students stressed, anxious, and vulnerable. The deaths in Patna have now brought these concerns to a boiling point.

CBI Focus: Coaching Center Involvement & Potential Conspiracy

The CBI's investigation isn't limited to the immediate circumstances of the deaths. The agency is actively exploring the potential involvement of the coaching center associated with the hostel. Questions are being asked about the center's practices, its student-to-teacher ratio, the quality of its instruction, and crucially, its oversight of the hostel facilities. Investigators are examining whether cost-cutting measures at the hostel - potentially linked to maximizing profits - contributed to the hazardous living conditions.

Sources within the CBI suggest the investigation is also exploring the possibility of a larger conspiracy, looking into whether the hostel deliberately neglected basic amenities to maintain low costs, despite knowing the potential risks to student health. The agency is scrutinizing financial records and interviewing hostel staff, coaching center administrators, and students who survived the ordeal. The possibility of negligence leading to culpable homicide is a key line of inquiry.

Calls for Reform & Regulatory Oversight

The tragedy has sparked widespread demands for comprehensive reform of the NEET system and the unregulated coaching industry. Education activists and concerned citizens are calling for increased government oversight of coaching centers, mandatory registration and accreditation, and stringent regulations regarding hostel facilities. A petition circulating online has already garnered over 5 million signatures, demanding a parliamentary inquiry into the entire NEET ecosystem.

"This isn't just about punishing those responsible for the deaths in Patna," says Dr. Anjali Sharma, a prominent educationist. "It's about preventing similar tragedies from happening in the future. We need to address the root causes of this pressure, provide adequate mental health support for students, and ensure that coaching centers prioritize well-being over profit."

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is facing increasing pressure to review the NEET examination format and consider alternative admission criteria. Some experts advocate for a more holistic assessment of candidates, factoring in performance in Class XII examinations and extracurricular activities, rather than solely relying on a single high-stakes entrance exam.

The Investigation Continues The CBI team, comprising seasoned investigators and forensic experts, is currently collecting evidence from the hostel premises and surrounding areas. They are also analyzing the deceased students' medical records and interviewing their families. The agency has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice and accountability. The next few weeks are expected to be critical as the CBI pieces together the events leading up to the tragic deaths and attempts to determine the full extent of responsibility.