The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant progress in its investigation into the leak of the NEET-UG examination papers. A key finding revealed that the mobile phone of Manisha Havaldar, a headmistress and Physics expert linked to the case, contained the phone number of an accused coaching institute lecturer saved under the name “God.” This information highlights the connections within the alleged network involved in the examination fraud.

The probe escalated on May 29, 2026, when the CBI apprehended Dr Manoj Shirure, a paediatrician from Latur, Maharashtra, along with Tejas Shah, a lecturer at a Pune coaching institute. Both individuals were found to have connections with Havaldar, who is already in custody. The CBI’s discoveries indicate a systematic attempt to exploit the NEET examination process.

According to investigators, Shirure allegedly received a leaked “guess paper” of questions that were purportedly set to appear in the NEET 2026 exam from Professor Shivraj Motegaonkar, the director of RCC Coaching Institute. Allegedly, Shirure arranged special coaching sessions for select students after making payments ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh to another suspect, PV Kulkarni.

Link to National Testing Agency Highlighted

The investigation has drawn attention to the involvement of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Reports indicate that Tejas Shah obtained the leaked questions from Havaldar, who had been assisting the NTA with exam preparation. Havaldar reportedly dictated questions to Shah, who documented them in a notebook. This method suggests a direct collaboration to facilitate the dissemination of confidential examination materials.

Shah is alleged to have later shared photographs of the notebook pages with Havaldar and transferred funds to a mobile account linked to Havaldar’s husband. Investigators tracked an online transaction of Rs 20,000, which raises questions about the potential for further undisclosed cash transfers between them.

Additional searches conducted by the CBI earlier this week at two locations in Nanded have brought to light more suspects. These premises are believed to belong to parents who are allegedly part of a network that purchased the leaked examination materials. This extensive network reportedly comprises various individuals, including Havaldar, Kulkarni, Manisha Mandhare, Manisha Waghmare, and Motegaonkar.

Implications for NEET Examination

The arrests of Shirure and Shah have resulted in their remand to CBI custody until June 1, as the investigation continues to evolve. Sources indicate that several aspirants, including the children of Motegaonkar and Shirure, who allegedly attended exclusive coaching sessions where leaked questions were elaborated upon, may be called as witnesses in the case.

As the CBI’s inquiries intensify, it is anticipated that more arrests will follow. The agency has conducted searches at over 50 locations in recent days, signalling a broader attempt to dismantle this alleged examination fraud network. The ramifications of these discoveries extend to the NEET-UG pre-medical entrance examination, held on May 3, 2026, across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres.

Approximately 23 lakh candidates had registered for the NEET exam, administered by the NTA. Following the emergence of allegations concerning the paper leak, the NTA has cancelled the exam and scheduled a re-examination for June 21, 2026, to ensure fairness and integrity in the examination process.

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