The NEET UG 2026 paper leak investigation has taken a wider and more serious turn. The Central Bureau of Investigation is now probing not only middlemen and coaching links but also alleged insiders connected with the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting process.
The case has already led to multiple arrests across different states and has forced more than 22 lakh medical aspirants to prepare again for the re-examination scheduled on 21 June 2026.
According to the investigation details emerging so far, the alleged leak operation may have worked through a structured network involving insiders, recruiters and middlemen.
Two Sets of Questions Allegedly Leaked
Investigators are examining claims that two separate sets of question material were leaked before the NEET UG 2026 examination.
One set was reportedly handwritten, while another was later converted into digital form and circulated as a PDF.
CBI is probing whether the leaked material included questions from:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Chemistry
The agency has reportedly alleged that many of these questions matched the actual NEET UG 2026 question paper held on 3 May 2026.
Alleged Role of NTA-Linked Experts
The CBI has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior botany teacher from Pune, and P. V. Kulkarni, a retired chemistry professor from Latur.
Both were reportedly associated with the NEET UG 2026 paper-setting process as subject experts.
According to investigators, Mandhare allegedly had access to Botany and Zoology questions, while Kulkarni is accused of leaking Chemistry-related material.
The agency is now examining whether their access to confidential question papers was misused before the exam.
How the Leak Allegedly Started
As per the investigation, the alleged leak may have started from special coaching sessions conducted before the examination.
At Mandhare’s residence in Pune, selected students were allegedly asked to:
- write down important questions,
- mark answers in textbooks,
- and note down Biology-related content.
Investigators claim that several of these questions later matched the actual NEET UG 2026 Biology paper.
In another part of the probe, Kulkarni is accused of allegedly leaking Chemistry questions.
From Coaching Notes to PDF
The leaked material allegedly moved from handwritten notes to digital circulation.
Investigators believe that questions discussed during the Pune coaching sessions were later compiled into a PDF containing around 500 to 600 questions.
This PDF was allegedly circulated through:
- WhatsApp groups,
- Telegram channels,
- and private student networks.
This digital movement made the investigation more complex because the material could be forwarded rapidly across multiple locations.
The Gurugram and Rajasthan Link
The CBI is also probing the role of middlemen who allegedly distributed and sold the leaked material.
According to reports, the leaked question set allegedly moved from Nashik-based accused Shubham Khairnar to Gurugram-based Yash Yadav.
Yash Yadav allegedly sold the paper set to Mangilal Biwal, also identified as Mangilal Khatik, for around ₹10 lakh.
Investigators claim the deal was based on the condition that at least 150 questions should match the actual NEET paper.
Later, printed copies were allegedly distributed among relatives, students and other connected persons.
Beauty Parlour Owner Under Scanner
Another major name in the investigation is Pune-based Manisha Waghmare, who reportedly ran a beauty parlour.
CBI has identified her as an important link in the alleged network.
She is accused of connecting selected students with insiders and helping mobilise candidates for special coaching sessions.
Investigators are also checking financial transactions linked to her and other accused persons.
Three-Layer Network Under Investigation
The alleged operation appears to have worked through three main layers:
1. Insiders
People who allegedly had access to confidential questions before the exam.
2. Recruiters
Individuals who allegedly identified students willing to pay for access to question material.
3. Middlemen
People who allegedly circulated, printed, forwarded or sold the leaked material.
This structure suggests that the alleged paper leak was not a random incident but may have involved an organised network.
Arrests Across Multiple States
So far, several people have reportedly been arrested from different states.
The names under investigation include:
- Manisha Gurunath Mandhare from Pune
- P. V. Kulkarni from Latur
- Manisha Waghmare from Pune
- Dhananjay Lokhanda from Ahilyanagar
- Shubham Khairnar from Nashik
- Mangilal Biwal / Khatik from Jaipur
- Vikas Biwal from Jaipur
- Dinesh Biwal from Jaipur
- Yash Yadav from Gurugram
The arrests show that the alleged network may have spread across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and other states.
Entire Paper-Setting Chain Under Scrutiny
The CBI is now reportedly examining the broader question paper preparation process.
This includes:
- subject experts,
- paper setters,
- NTA-linked officials,
- coaching contacts,
- digital communication,
- printing or copying points,
- financial transactions,
- and possible previous exam links.
Officials are also probing whether the accused had any role in earlier examination-related leaks.
Why This Case Is Serious
This case is extremely serious because the alleged breach appears to involve the question-setting stage itself.
Usually, paper leak cases are suspected at later stages such as printing, transportation or exam centre distribution. But if the leak happened at the paper-setting level, it raises deeper concerns about exam security and confidentiality.
For students, this is not only about one exam. It is about trust in the national medical entrance system.
Impact on Students
More than 22 lakh students who appeared for NEET UG 2026 are now preparing for a re-exam.
The cancellation has caused:
- mental stress,
- extra preparation pressure,
- travel planning issues,
- uncertainty among parents,
- and loss of confidence in the system.
However, authorities have stated that the re-exam is necessary to protect genuine students and restore fairness.
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2026 paper leak case has now become one of the most serious examination controversies in recent years.
The investigation suggests a possible network involving alleged insiders, recruiters, middlemen and digital circulation channels. With multiple arrests and the paper-setting process under scrutiny, the CBI probe is expected to uncover how far the leak spread and who was responsible.
Students and parents should avoid rumours, follow only official updates and focus on preparation for the re-examination on 21 June 2026.
