NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: CBI Investigates, Three Arrested Amid Ongoing Controversy
Judicial Custody for NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Suspects
In a significant development, a Delhi court has placed three individuals, including a doctor from Latur and a faculty member from a Pune coaching institute, into judicial custody until June 15 as part of the investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The Rouse Avenue Court issued this order, remanding Dr. Manoj Shirure, Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar for a two-week period.
This case is part of a broader inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak. The CBI initiated its investigation on May 12, following a complaint lodged by the Department of Higher Education under the Union Ministry of Education.
According to the CBI, Dr. Shirure was instrumental in aiding three students, including the son of a coaching centre owner, in acquiring Chemistry questions from the alleged mastermind, P.V. Kulkarni, prior to the exam.
Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a Physics instructor at the Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy in Pune, is accused of receiving leaked Physics questions from co-defendant Manisha Havaldar.
The arrests are part of a larger probe into a suspected network that has been involved in obtaining and distributing NEET question papers ahead of the exams. The CBI has conducted searches at 49 locations nationwide, confiscating numerous incriminating documents, laptops, and mobile devices, which are now under thorough examination.
The agency has reaffirmed its dedication to conducting a thorough, unbiased, and professional investigation, with ongoing efforts to uncover the complete conspiracy and identify all parties implicated in the alleged wrongdoing.
In parallel, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports is actively discussing matters related to NEET and the National Testing Agency (NTA). This includes addressing concerns about examination procedures and the ongoing debate regarding the use of pen-and-paper tests versus Computer-Based Tests (CBTs).
The committee is also reviewing the latest developments in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and the steps being taken to ensure the integrity of future examinations.
During a recent meeting, committee members stressed the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the NEET-UG examination and addressing systemic vulnerabilities while keeping track of the CBI's investigation progress.
The NTA has announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will take place on June 21, with admit cards expected to be distributed by June 14. The original examination, scheduled for May 12, was canceled due to the paper leak allegations, raising significant concerns among candidates and their families.