The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended the primary suspect in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak. This development was announced on May 15, 2026, following an ongoing investigation into the matter. The suspect, named P V Kulkarni, is a Chemistry lecturer who allegedly had access to the examination materials through his association with the National Testing Agency.

Kulkarni is believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the leak. Reports indicate that in the last week of April 2026, he, alongside co-accused Manisha Waghmare, conducted special coaching sessions for select students at his residence in Pune. During these sessions, he purportedly provided students with answers and insights directly from the examination paper.

Following these revelations, the CBI’s interrogation efforts led them to track and arrest Kulkarni in Pune. He hails from Latur, and the coordination of arrests was seen as a significant step in the investigation.

Details of the Investigation and Arrests

The CBI has been active in its investigation since registering the case on May 12, 2026, based on a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Union Ministry of Education. Special teams were organised to conduct raids at various locations across India, leading to multiple detentions for questioning.

As of now, the agency has arrested a total of seven individuals in connection with this case across several cities, including Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. Reports confirm that five of these suspects have been brought before a court and remanded to police custody for a week to facilitate further investigation. The other two arrested on May 14 are also being presented in court for transit remand before transfer to Delhi.

The investigation has revealed that there was involvement from middlemen who reportedly collected substantial sums of money from students in exchange for access to the special coaching sessions. These sessions allegedly included information from the leaked question bank, which raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process.

Ongoing Investigations and Forensic Analysis

The CBI has indicated that its investigation is still in progress. In the past 24 hours, extensive searches at various locations have resulted in the seizure of several incriminating documents, electronic devices, and mobile phones. A thorough forensic and technical analysis of these materials is currently underway, aiming to strengthen the case against those involved.

Moreover, the agency has highlighted the need for vigilance in maintaining the confidentiality and fairness of examination processes. The involvement of individuals in such illegal activities poses serious risks to the educational framework.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, which took place on May 3, 2026, has been under scrutiny, and the CBI’s actions are part of an overarching mandate to uphold the sanctity of academic assessments in India. In light of the ongoing investigations, further updates are anticipated as the agency delves deeper into the network responsible for the alleged paper leak.

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