The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper, revealing an organised network involving various stakeholders within the examination ecosystem. This network reportedly includes insiders, subject matter experts, coaching centre operators, and intermediaries who allegedly disclosed specific subject questions prior to the examination and exploited this information through paid coaching sessions. Investigators have identified key individuals connected to the leak of questions in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics in the period from May 15 to May 22.

The CBI claims that the investigation points to a complex network rather than a singular source for the leaks. Individuals with access to examination materials are believed to have handled different sections of the examination papers, sharing these details with intermediary figures and select candidates. This multi-faceted system suggests a well-planned and collaborative approach to the question paper leak.

Key Figures Arrested in Relation to Chemistry Leak

The first breakthrough in the investigation occurred on May 15, when the CBI arrested PV Kulkarni, identifying him as the “kingpin” of the Chemistry question leak. Kulkarni, a lecturer involved in the examination process for the National Testing Agency (NTA), allegedly had direct access to the Chemistry question papers. Investigators allege that he orchestrated sessions at his residence in Pune, recruiting students via co-accused Manisha Waghmare, where he dictated questions and their correct answers.

During these sessions in late April, candidates reportedly transcribed the information provided by Kulkarni, which later corresponded closely to questions on the actual NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3. Following the discovery of the leak, the examination was cancelled. The CBI has traced the source of the Chemistry leak back to Kulkarni, identifying intermediaries who helped collect considerable sums from students to gain access to these privileged coaching sessions.

Investigation efforts continue to reveal additional layers of this expansive operation, casting wider nets for accomplices allegedly involved in facilitating these coaching classes.

Additional Arrests and Connections to Biology and Physics Leaks

On May 16, the CBI apprehended Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher, labelling her as a “mastermind” behind the Biology leak. Mandhare, who had been appointed as an expert by the NTA, allegedly held complete access to Botany and Zoology question papers. Reports suggest she engaged in similar coaching tactics, revealing questions from these subjects to aspiring NEET candidates at her residence.

The agency established that a significant number of the Biology questions disclosed by Mandhare matched those that appeared in the NEET examination, highlighting the effectiveness of this coordinated effort. The CBI then extended its investigations further, leading to the arrest of Prof Shivaraj Motegaonkar, the owner of RCC Coaching Institute, on May 18. He further connected to the operation as he was reportedly close to Kulkarni and in possession of a question bank from the Physics subject that bore similarities to official examination questions.

Most recently, on May 22, the CBI arrested Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, a Physics teacher who allegedly also shared Physics questions prior to the examination with Mandhare. With these arrests, the agency claims to have identified the sources of the leaks across Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, aiming to unravel the entire operation.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation

This investigation, which commenced on May 12 after a complaint from the Department of Higher Education, has expanded to multiple states, with a total of eleven arrests made by May 22. The CBI has deployed special teams across locations including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, and Latur for searches and interrogations.

Investigators have seized diverse materials, including laptops, mobile phones, bank documents, and possibly incriminating evidence, all currently undergoing comprehensive forensic analysis. The CBI’s focus appears to be on tracking the financial flows within this network and identifying beneficiaries, as well as determining if additional insiders played roles in this extensive leak that it now describes as a coordinated operation.

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