NEET 2026 Paper Leak: CBI Probes NTA Insiders, 9 Arrests Made
NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak investigation widens, CBI probes NTA insiders.
Top Summary
- What happened: The NEET-UG 2026 exam paper was allegedly leaked, with two sets of question papers circulating before the exam.
- Why it matters: This compromises the integrity of the national medical entrance exam, affecting the fairness of admissions.
- What changes: Over 2.2 million aspirants face a re-examination scheduled for June 21.
- Who is affected: NEET-UG 2026 aspirants, their families, and the credibility of the NTA are affected.
NEET Leak Investigation Widens
The alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper has escalated. The CBI is now investigating a network of middlemen, coaching centers, and potential insiders within the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni, accused in the case, were produced before the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Saturday.
Arrests and Investigation Details
The investigation has led to nine arrests across five states in just four days. This forces over 2.2 million students to prepare for a re-examination on June 21.
According to the CBI, two separate sets of question papers were leaked by two NTA paper-setting committee members. These were circulated through intermediaries to students before the May 3 exam.
NTA Insiders and Their Roles
The CBI has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior botany teacher from Pune, and PV Kulkarni from Latur. Both were appointed by the NTA as experts on the NEET-UG 2026 paper-setting panel.
As members of the committee, Mandhare had access to the botany and zoology papers. Kulkarni had access to the chemistry paper.
"She was involved in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process and appointed by NTA as an expert. She had complete access to the Botany and Zoology question papers," the probe agency said.
How the Leak Unfolded
Mandhare allegedly began sharing questions with select students in April, weeks before the exam. At her Pune residence, she conducted coaching sessions where students wrote down questions and marked answers in textbooks.
The CBI stated that the majority of these questions matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 question paper from the May 3 examination. Officials said Kulkarni played a similar role with the chemistry section.
Coaching Notes and Distribution
Two sets of leaked material emerged: handwritten notes and a typed version. Kulkarni allegedly leaked the chemistry paper, and Mandhare leaked botany and zoology questions.
The leaked questions circulated as coaching notes and were converted into a PDF containing approximately 500 to 600 questions. This PDF was then distributed via WhatsApp and Telegram.
Network of Middlemen
The leaked material allegedly traveled from Nashik-based Shubham Khairnar to Gurugram-based Yash Yadav. Yadav allegedly sold the paper set to Mangilal Biwal for ₹10 lakh.
The deal hinged on at least 150 questions matching the actual NEET paper. Mangilal later distributed copies to relatives and friends.
Beauty Parlour Link
Manisha Waghmare, a Pune-based beauty parlour owner, is identified as a crucial link. Arrested on May 14, she allegedly connected students with NTA insiders.
Investigators told the court that she had access to the paper from at least April 27. Officials suspect the operation involved insiders, recruiters, and middlemen.
The Arrested Individuals
Those arrested include:
- Mandhare, Kulkarni, Waghmare (Pune)
- Dhananjay Lokhanda (Ahilyanagar)
- Shubham Khairnar (Nashik)
- Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal (Jaipur)
- Yash Yadav (Gurugram)
NTA Under Scrutiny
Investigators are examining the role of the entire committee involved in setting the NEET-UG 2026 paper. The agency is also investigating whether Mandhare and Kulkarni were involved in previous leaks.
A special court in Delhi has sent both accused to 10 days of CBI custody.
What to Watch Next
The CBI will continue to investigate the full extent of the leak, focusing on the involvement of other NTA officials and potential previous incidents. Further arrests and revelations are expected as the investigation progresses and the re-examination date approaches.