India
oi-Swastika Sruti
The investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has taken another major turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a lecturer who was allegedly part of the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting committee for the medical entrance examination.
The accused has been identified as Manisha Mandhare, a Botany professor from Pune.
The CBI arrested NEET-UG 2026 paper-setting committee member Manisha Mandhare for allegedly leaking Biology questions via secret coaching sessions in Pune in April 2026, expanding the probe which has led to nine arrests nationwide.
She was arrested in Delhi on Saturday after prolonged questioning at the CBI headquarters.
According to officials, the CBI considers Mandhare to be one of the key masterminds behind the alleged leak of Biology questions for the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3.
Professor Allegedly Had Direct Access To NEET Questions
Investigators claim that Mandhare was part of the National Testing Agency’s expert panel responsible for preparing sections of the NEET question paper.
According to sources, she had reportedly been contributing to NEET paper-setting work for the NTA for the last five to six years on behalf of Pune’s Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce.
Officials alleged that Mandhare helped prepare Botany and Zoology questions for the 2026 NEET examination.
Because of her role as an expert, investigators believe she had direct access to highly confidential examination material before the test was conducted.
CBI Says Questions Were Leaked During Secret Coaching Sessions
According to the CBI, Mandhare allegedly leaked Biology questions to select NEET aspirants during secret coaching sessions conducted at her residence in Pune in April 2026.
Officials claim that students attending these sessions were allegedly asked to write down important questions and answers in notebooks and mark them inside textbooks.
The agency alleged that many of the questions discussed during these coaching sessions later appeared in the actual NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3.
Investigators also claimed that large amounts of money were collected from students in exchange for access to these special coaching classes.
The CBI said the accused allegedly dictated questions and answers directly to selected aspirants during the sessions.
Another Accused Helped Mobilise Students
According to investigators, the coaching sessions were allegedly organised with the help of another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested earlier on May 14.
The CBI alleged that Waghmare helped identify and mobilise NEET aspirants for these secret classes conducted in Pune.
Officials claim the network operated in a systematic manner, targeting students willing to pay large sums of money for access to leaked material.
Link To Retired Professor PV Kulkarni
The arrest of Mandhare reportedly came after questioning of alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni and other arrested suspects.
Kulkarni, a retired Chemistry professor, was arrested by the CBI earlier in connection with the same case. According to investigators, the method allegedly used by Mandhare closely resembled the strategy adopted by Kulkarni.
The agency claims Kulkarni also conducted private coaching sessions and allegedly leaked Chemistry-related questions to select students.
Officials believe the two accused may have operated as part of a larger organised network involving insiders connected to the examination process.
CBI Expands Probe Across Multiple Cities
The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation has now expanded across several cities including Pune, Delhi, Jaipur and Gurugram.
So far, the CBI has arrested nine individuals in connection with the case.
Officials say several more suspects are still being questioned as investigators attempt to uncover the full scale of the alleged paper leak network.
The agency has also indicated that multiple locations may be searched as part of efforts to trace financial transactions, digital communication and links between the accused persons.
Court Proceedings And Custody Demand
On Saturday, Kulkarni and Waghmare were produced before a court in Delhi.
The CBI sought 14 days of custody for the accused, arguing that investigators may need to take them to different locations across the country to uncover the larger conspiracy.
Officials told the court that the probe is still at a crucial stage and more evidence regarding the alleged leak network may emerge during custodial interrogation.
NEET Leak Continues To Trigger Nationwide Outrage
The latest arrest has once again intensified outrage surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 controversy.
The examination, which is one of India’s largest medical entrance tests, was cancelled after allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surfaced across multiple states.
The scandal has triggered protests, political criticism and serious concerns regarding the credibility of national-level competitive examinations.
Students and parents across the country have expressed frustration and anxiety after months of preparation were disrupted due to the cancellation of the exam.
The ongoing investigation is now expected to play a crucial role in determining how deeply the alleged leak network had penetrated the examination system.
