NEET 2026 Leak: CBI Arrests Second Mastermind, Biology Teacher Manisha Mandhare
CBI arrests a second mastermind in the NEET 2026 paper leak case.
Top Summary
- What happened: CBI arrested Manisha Mandhare, a botany teacher, alleging she leaked the NEET 2026 Biology paper.
- Why it matters: The arrest raises serious concerns about the integrity of India's medical entrance exam.
- What changes: A re-exam is scheduled for June 21, 2026, to restore trust among students.
- Who is affected: Lakhs of NEET aspirants and their parents nationwide are impacted by the scandal.
Manisha Mandhare Arrested: Key Mastermind?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Pune-based teacher, identifying her as a key mastermind in the alleged NEET UG 2026 Biology paper leak.
Mandhare, a senior botany teacher from Maharashtra, was apprehended in Delhi after extensive interrogation. She allegedly had direct access to Botany and Zoology question papers while working as an expert with the National Testing Agency (NTA).
To date, nine people have been arrested across multiple cities as part of the widening investigation.
Inside the Alleged Leak: How it Happened
Professor Manisha Mandhare reportedly worked at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Pune. Sources claim she contributed to NEET question paper setting for nearly five to six years.
The CBI alleges Mandhare was involved in preparing Botany and Zoology sections for the NEET UG 2026 examination. She allegedly had unrestricted access to confidential Biology questions before the exam on May 3, 2026.
In April 2026, Mandhare allegedly identified NEET candidates through Manisha Wagmare, who was arrested earlier. Special coaching sessions were held at Mandhare’s Pune residence, with students noting important Biology questions.
CBI Expands Investigation Across India
The CBI investigation has rapidly expanded across several states. Searches were conducted at six locations nationwide, with laptops, mobile phones, and bank records seized.
The case was formally registered by the CBI on May 12, 2026, following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education.
Accused individuals have been arrested from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. Several are in police custody for questioning.
Evidence and Findings: What the CBI Discovered
The CBI recovered laptops, mobile phones, bank statements, and documents during raids. Digital evidence is being analyzed to trace the leak network and financial transactions.
According to the investigation, selected NEET aspirants were allegedly taught leaked Biology questions in Pune before the exam. Investigators claim many questions matched the actual NEET UG 2026 paper.
Re-Exam Scheduled Amidst Scandal
The arrest of Manisha Mandhare has intensified concerns about the integrity of the exam. The NEET UG 2026 re-exam is now scheduled for June 21, 2026.
Pressure is mounting on authorities to restore trust among students and parents as the CBI attempts to uncover the full scale of the alleged leak.
Key Arrests in the NEET Leak Case
The NEET UG 2026 paper leak investigation has rapidly widened, uncovering an organized network. Key individuals arrested include:
- Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, botany teacher and NTA expert
- PV Kulkarni, chemistry professor and alleged kingpin
- Manisha Waghmare, accused of mobilizing students
- Dhananjay Lokhanda from Ahilyanagar
- Shubham Khairnar from Nashik
- Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal from Jaipur
- Yash Yadav from Gurugram
The controversy forced authorities to cancel the original exam and announce the re-exam.
The CBI alleges that Kulkarni, a subject expert, provided questions to others through Manisha Waghmare in conspiracy with others.
What to Watch Next
The CBI's investigation is ongoing, focusing on analyzing seized digital evidence and financial records to identify more individuals involved in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak. Further arrests and details about the network are expected as the June 21st re-exam date approaches.