CBI Takes Action in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Who is Shubham Khairnar?

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Shubham Khairnar in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of one of India's largest entrance examinations. Khairnar, a BAMS student from Nashik, allegedly played a significant role in the distribution of the leaked question paper. The CBI is intensifying its investigation to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, which has reportedly affected candidates across multiple states. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 18:16 IST

CBI Arrests Key Suspect in NEET-UG 2026 Leak Case

Mumbai: On Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented Shubham Khairnar, who was apprehended in relation to the alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination leak, at the Killa Court in Mumbai. The court has placed him in transit custody for two days.

According to officials, Khairnar is scheduled to appear before a court in Delhi on Thursday as the agency escalates its investigation into the widespread examination leak.

During the court proceedings, the CBI informed the judge that several individuals connected to the case remain unidentified and uninterrogated, necessitating the accused's custodial questioning. The court accepted this request and granted a two-day transit custody for Khairnar.

Khairnar was taken into custody by the CBI on Tuesday afternoon while he was reportedly heading to a temple for prayers. Investigators noted that he had changed his hairstyle in an effort to avoid being recognized and arrested.

However, officials managed to identify him by comparing his current appearance with older images and utilizing technical surveillance data collected during the investigation.

This development follows the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to cancel the NEET-UG 2026 exam, which took place on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates nationwide, due to allegations of a prior question paper leak.

The issue first emerged in Nashik, Maharashtra, where the initial digital copy of the leaked question paper was reportedly discovered before it spread to other states.

Investigators believe that Shubham Khairnar, a Nashik resident, was instrumental in disseminating the leaked examination paper. The CBI claims he acquired the leaked NEET-UG question paper from an accused in Pune and subsequently sold it for a profit.

Khairnar, a 30-year-old Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) student from the Indiranagar area in Nashik, allegedly purchased the leaked paper for Rs 10 lakh and sold it to a buyer in Haryana for Rs 15 lakh, netting a profit of Rs 5 lakh.

The leaked examination paper is thought to have circulated from Maharashtra to various states, including Gurugram in Haryana, Jaipur and Sikar in Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, and Kerala, raising significant concerns about the integrity and security of one of the country's largest entrance exams.

The CBI continues its investigation to uncover the entire network involved in this alleged paper leak and to assess the scope of the conspiracy behind this nationwide scandal.