CBI Cracks Down on NEET Paper Leak: Arrests Key Lecturer Involved in Scandal
Major Arrest in NEET Examination Scandal
New Delhi: On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended a biology lecturer linked to the National Testing Agency's (NTA) committee responsible for setting the NEET-UG exam, which took place on May 3, according to officials.
This arrest followed the interrogation of P V Kulkarni, the alleged mastermind behind the paper leak, along with other suspects involved in the case.
The lecturer, identified as Manisha Mandhare, was taken into custody after being questioned at the CBI headquarters.
Mandhare is accused of playing a significant role in the NEET examination process, having been appointed as an expert by the NTA.
Officials revealed that she had full access to the Botany and Zoology question papers.
It is alleged that Mandhare coordinated with prospective NEET candidates in April 2026 through another accused, Manisha Wagmare from Pune, who was arrested on May 14, and conducted special coaching sessions for these students at her home.
During these sessions, Mandhare reportedly dictated leaked questions and answers to select students, charging them substantial fees.
Many of the questions she provided matched those that appeared in the NEET exam on May 3, which was subsequently canceled due to the paper leak allegations.
The CBI had previously arrested Professor P V Kulkarni, a chemistry expert from Latur, on Friday. Kulkarni had been involved in setting the NEET question papers for several years.
Utilizing his privileged access to confidential materials, he allegedly conducted special coaching classes at his residence in the last week of April, where he dictated questions, options, and answers that were included in the NEET UG paper on May 3.
According to a spokesperson, Kulkarni mobilized students with the assistance of another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on May 14.
Students reportedly paid large sums to attend these sessions, where they transcribed the questions into their notebooks, which later matched the actual NEET-UG paper conducted on May 3.
The federal agency has filed a First Information Report (FIR) and assembled teams to investigate the alleged paper leak that led to the cancellation of the exam.
The NEET was administered across 551 cities in India and at 14 international centers.
Approximately 23 lakh candidates registered for the test, which was conducted by the NTA nationwide.
The NTA reported receiving information about the alleged malpractice on the evening of May 7, just four days after the exam.
The agency escalated these inputs to central authorities the following morning for independent verification and necessary action.