NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled in India Following Massive Multi-State Paper Leak
India’s National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exam after confirming a massive paper leak involving over 100 questions. A multi-state criminal network, centered in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, sold the leaked paper to aspirants for high fees. The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested numerous suspects, including coaching agents and students. This scandal affects over 2.2 million candidates, triggering widespread protests, political outrage, and demands for systemic reform. A free re-examination is planned while authorities investigate the organized syndicate responsible for compromising the test's integrity.
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NEET Whistleblower Claims Chemistry Questions Matched Leaked PDF, Prompting CBI Probe
Shashikant Suthar, a chemistry teacher from Rajasthan, has emerged as a key whistleblower in the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak scandal. He claims that a 'guess paper' PDF shared with him after the May 3 examination contained Chemistry questions identical to those in the actual test. Suthar utilized AI tools to verify the similarities and reported his findings to the National Testing Agency (NTA), Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Although he attempted to file a police complaint on the night of the exam, procedural delays occurred. Following these revelations and broader integrity concerns, the NTA cancelled the original NEET 2026 exam, which involved over 2.2 million candidates, and announced a re-examination for June 21, 2026. The CBI has since arrested at least nine individuals and conducted searches across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, and Bihar. Suthar also criticized the proposed shift to Computer Based Tests, arguing they are not foolproof, and suggested a two-phase examination model instead. His identity remains partially protected due to safety concerns amidst the ongoing high-profile investigation.
India Today | Latest StoriesDelhi Court Remands NEET-UG 2026 Leak Accused Manisha Mandhare to 14 Days CBI Custody
The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi has ordered 14 days of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody for Manisha Mandhare, a botany expert and panelist for the National Testing Agency (NTA). This decision follows her arrest in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper. Prosecutors argue that Mandhare conspired with co-accused individuals, including Manisha Waghmare and Prahlad Vittal Rao Kulkarni, to sell exam questions to students for significant financial gain. The CBI sought extended custody to uncover the broader conspiracy, identify additional syndicate members, and trace financial and digital evidence across various locations. Special Judge Colette Rashmi Kujur approved the remand, citing the initial and crucial stage of the investigation and the need to apprehend other active participants. Mandhare’s defense counsel opposed the request, highlighting her age, profession, and prior cooperation, but the court emphasized the necessity of custodial interrogation to recover incriminating material. She is scheduled to appear before the court again on May 30, 2026. Eight accused individuals have been arrested in total so far.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduCBI Expands NEET Leak Probe Across Maharashtra: Telegram Trails and Coaching Links Under Scrutiny
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has significantly expanded its probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak across Maharashtra, focusing on digital evidence, financial trails, and coaching networks. Investigators are analyzing deleted Telegram chats, call records, and CCTV footage to trace the circulation of leaked questions. Following arrests in Pune, Nashik, and Latur, the agency is questioning key figures, including Shubham Khairnar, who allegedly managed biology-related leaks through coaching operators in Nashik. In Nanded, the family of a construction businessman was interrogated for eight hours regarding suspicions that they paid Rs 5 lakh for leaked papers, evidenced by the student's drastic score improvement. The investigation also implicates retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni in Latur for allegedly leaking chemistry questions via his access to the exam-setting process. Additionally, doctors in Latur and middlepersons in Pune are under scrutiny. With nine arrests made so far, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a re-examination for June 21 after cancelling the original May 3 test due to the widespread breach.
The Indian ExpressPune Teacher Arrested for Leaking NEET 2026 Papers for Money: CBI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a teacher at Pune's Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, for allegedly leaking the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 question papers. Mandhare, an expert on the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) question-setting panel with access to final Botany and Zoology papers, is accused of being a mastermind behind the leak. The CBI alleges she provided exam content to selected students in exchange for substantial monetary gains, conducting special coaching classes at her residence in April 2026. She conspired with co-accused Manisha Waghmare and Prahlad Vittal Rao Kulkarni, the latter identified as the source of the leak. Following the scandal, the original NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled, and a retest has been scheduled for June 21, 2026. Mandhare was arrested from her college in Pune and remanded to 14 days of police custody as the investigation into the widespread cheating racket continues.
The Indian ExpressCBI Produces Pune Teacher in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case, Seeks Custody
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has produced Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, before the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. The agency is seeking 14 days of custody to further investigate her alleged role as a key source for leaked Biology and Zoology questions. Mandhare, who served as an NTA-appointed expert and translator, allegedly accessed question papers and conducted special coaching sessions where she disclosed exam content to students in exchange for money. She was arrested after being apprehended in Mathura. The defense opposed the remand, citing prior cooperation and lack of physical evidence recovery. This development is part of a broader probe into the National Testing Agency's examination process, which has led to nine arrests across multiple cities including Delhi, Pune, and Jaipur. The CBI has seized documents and electronic devices, alleging that middlemen mobilized candidates who paid significant sums for access to predicted questions. The investigation continues with analysis of seized materials and interrogation of other suspects.
Economic TimesCBI Reveals Insider Collusion in NEET Leak; NTA Official Under Investigation
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered significant evidence of internal collusion in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, placing an unidentified National Testing Agency (NTA) official under scrutiny. Following the arrest of Manisha Sanjay Mandhare, a member of the NTA's Paper-Setting Committee, and chemistry lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, investigators allege an 'inside job' where exam questions and answer keys were leaked on April 27. Mandhare reportedly facilitated meetings between Kulkarni and other conspirators, exchanging question papers for money before distributing them to students. In an attempt to destroy evidence, Mandhare allegedly burned handwritten documents immediately after the May 3 exam. Both accused are currently in CBI custody. Amidst nationwide outrage over the breach of security in India's premier medical entrance exam, the NTA has announced a re-examination date of June 21, 2026. Furthermore, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan declared that future NEET exams will transition entirely to a Computer-Based Test format to enhance security and restore credibility to the examination system.
India Today | Latest StoriesCBI Probes NTA Official in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Inside Job Allegations
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is scrutinizing an unnamed National Testing Agency (NTA) official as part of the probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, suggesting potential insider involvement. This development follows the arrests of Manisha Sanjay Waghmare and chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, who are accused of conspiring to leak question papers and answer keys obtained on April 27. The investigation reveals that Waghmare was introduced to Kulkarni, the alleged kingpin, by Manisha Mandhare, an NTA paper-setting committee member who was also arrested. Waghmare allegedly distributed the questions to others, including Dhananjay Lokhande, for money before destroying evidence post-exam. Due to the scandal, the original May 3 examination was cancelled, triggering nationwide outrage. The NTA has announced a re-examination for June 21, 2026. Additionally, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that future NEET exams will be conducted as computer-based tests to enhance security. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity and safety of India's major medical entrance examinations.
India Today | Latest StoriesRetired Chemistry Teacher P V Kulkarni Arrested by CBI in NEET 2026 Paper Leak Scandal
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has identified retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni as a key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. Kulkarni, a former lecturer at Dayanand College in Latur, Maharashtra, served as a Subject Matter Expert for the National Testing Agency (NTA) after his retirement. Investigators allege he exploited this position to leak confidential chemistry questions to select candidates. The probe reveals that Kulkarni conducted private guidance sessions where he allegedly dictated questions and answers, which were later found in students' notebooks and matched the actual exam paper. He reportedly operated through an intermediary, Pune-based Manisha Waghmare, who connected him to aspiring medical students. Another accused, botany professor Manisha Mandhare, is also linked to the network. The racket appears to have been segmented by subject, with other accused handling biology separately. Neighbors in Latur described Kulkarni as low-profile and reserved, expressing shock at the allegations. The CBI seeks his custody to trace the chain of information flow and identify locations where leaked content was shared, marking a significant breach in India's competitive medical entrance examination system.
The Indian ExpressNTA Shares List of Suspect Paper Setters with CBI Amid NEET-UG 2026 Leak Probe
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has provided the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with a list of question paper setters and translators under scrutiny following the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak. This move coincides with the arrest of P V Kulkarni, a retired lecturer from Pune identified as the primary source of the leak, and Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, another professor with access to Botany and Zoology sections. Both accused were produced before the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi, which reserved its order on their custody requests. In response to the breach, traced to the initial question-setting stage, the NTA is overhauling its team of experts and translators to ensure a secure retest scheduled for June 21, 2026. The agency aims to replace personnel associated with the compromised process, despite previously adhering to strict protocols involving acoustically insulated rooms and restricted access. The investigation highlights vulnerabilities in the exam's creation phase, prompting significant administrative changes to restore integrity before the upcoming re-examination.
The Indian ExpressCBI Arrests Pune Teacher in NEET-UG Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a junior college teacher from Pune in connection with the NEET-UG examination paper leak scandal. The arrest took place in Delhi, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged compromise of the national medical entrance exam. The teacher is identified as a key suspect and is described as a member of the National Testing Agency (NTA) panel, allegedly serving as a primary source for the leaked biology question paper. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and concerns regarding the integrity of high-stakes competitive examinations in India. The CBI's action demonstrates the federal agency's active role in probing the network behind the leak, which has affected thousands of aspirants. The arrest highlights the alleged involvement of internal insiders within the examination conducting body, raising serious questions about security protocols. Further investigations are expected to uncover the extent of the racket and identify other accomplices involved in the dissemination of the confidential test materials.
Times of IndiaCBI Exposes NEET Exam Leak Nexus: Teachers Dictated Questions, Parents Paid Lakhs
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a widespread conspiracy involving coaching teachers, intermediaries, and parents to leak National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) question papers. The probe has led to the arrest of nine accused individuals across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Key figures include Pune chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, who allegedly dictated exact questions and answers to select students days before the exam, and botany expert Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, who leaked biology questions. Intermediaries like Yash Yadav facilitated the network, connecting students with suppliers such as Shubham, who distributed papers via Telegram. In Rajasthan, the Biwal family is central to the scandal, with members allegedly paying millions of rupees to secure leaked papers for multiple relatives. Investigations revealed that parents paid substantial bribes to ensure their children gained unfair advantages in the competitive medical entrance exam. The CBI recovered incriminating digital evidence, including WhatsApp and Telegram chats, confirming the verbatim match between leaked content and the actual exam paper. This exposure highlights a systemic breach in the examination process, depriving honest students of fair opportunities.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000Rahul Gandhi Demands Removal of Education Minister Over NEET Paper Leak
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the Indian central government following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi stated that the leak constituted a betrayal of approximately 22 lakh (2.2 million) students who appeared for the medical entrance examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) officially cancelled the original examination after evidence emerged indicating that question papers had been circulated illicitly. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an inquiry into the breach to identify those responsible. As a remedial measure, authorities have scheduled a re-examination for June 21. This incident has sparked significant political controversy, with opposition parties leveraging the situation to attack the ruling administration's handling of educational integrity and national testing protocols. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the security and fairness of high-stakes competitive exams in India.
Times of IndiaPune Teacher Manisha Mandhare Arrested in NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Scandal
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, for her alleged involvement in the NEET UG 2026 examination paper leak. Mandhare, who was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a subject expert, allegedly used her authorized access to the Biology question paper to leak confidential content to selected candidates. Investigators claim she conducted special coaching sessions at her residence in April 2026, where she dictated questions that subsequently appeared in the actual exam. She reportedly collaborated with consultant Manisha Wagmare to recruit students and facilitate the leak. This arrest marks the ninth in the widening scandal, which has implicated individuals across Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. The CBI has conducted raids at six locations, seizing digital devices and financial records. Middlemen are accused of collecting substantial sums from families in exchange for the leaked material. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the NTA's security protocols, prompting investigations into potential insider involvement within the examination system.
Economic TimesCBI Arrests NTA Expert Teacher in NEET-UG 2026 Biology Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandare, a senior botany teacher and National Testing Agency (NTA) expert, for allegedly masterminding the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 Biology paper. Mandare, who had access to question papers through her role with the NTA, conducted special coaching classes in Pune where she shared leaked questions with aspirants. This arrest brings the total number of detainees in the scandal to nine, including P.V. Kulkarni, a chemistry professor alleged to be the mastermind behind the Chemistry paper leak. The CBI registered an FIR on May 12, 2026, following complaints from the Ministry of Education, leading to raids across multiple cities and the seizure of digital evidence. The NEET-UG exam, originally held on May 3, 2026, was canceled by the NTA due to widespread allegations of irregularities. Investigations revealed that middlemen charged students significant sums for access to these illicit coaching sessions. The agency continues to examine seized materials, including laptops and bank statements, to uncover the full extent of the network involved in compromising the integrity of the national medical entrance examination.
India Today | Latest StoriesCBI Arrests NTA Professor in Pune Over NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany professor and National Testing Agency (NTA) expert panel member from Pune, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The scandal, which led to the cancellation of the exam affecting nearly 2.2 million candidates, involved a network that accessed confidential questions and distributed them through secret coaching sessions. Mandhare allegedly disclosed Botany and Zoology questions to students who paid substantial fees. The investigation also identified PV Kulkarni, a retired chemistry lecturer, as the alleged mastermind who organized exclusive classes where questions were dictated and handwritten by students. Intermediaries, including beautician Manisha Waghmare, facilitated the distribution of leaked materials under the guise of mock tests. The CBI has arrested eight individuals across five states, seizing electronic devices and financial records. In response to the breach, the government announced that the NEET exam will transition to a computer-based format starting in 2027 to enhance security and prevent future leaks.
The QuintCBI Arrests Second Mastermind Manisha Mandhare in NEET 2026 Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Pune-based botany teacher, identifying her as a key mastermind in the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak. Mandhare, who reportedly served as an expert for the National Testing Agency (NTA) for five to six years, allegedly had direct access to confidential Botany and Zoology questions. Investigators claim she conducted special coaching sessions at her residence in April 2026, where selected students were taught leaked questions that later appeared in the actual exam held on May 3, 2026. This arrest brings the total number of detained individuals to nine across multiple cities, including Delhi, Pune, and Jaipur. The CBI has seized digital devices and financial records from six locations to trace the organized network of insiders and middlemen. The scandal has severely impacted the integrity of India's primary medical entrance examination, prompting authorities to schedule a re-examination for June 21, 2026, as they work to restore trust among students and parents.
India Today | Latest StoriesCBI Arrests 'Mastermind' Biology Lecturer in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a biology lecturer from Pune, identifying her as a key figure in the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak. Mandhare was appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency (NTA), granting her access to botany and zoology question papers. The CBI alleges that in April 2026, she collaborated with another arrested individual, Manisha Waghmare, to recruit prospective candidates for special coaching sessions at her residence. During these classes, she reportedly disclosed actual exam questions, which students recorded in their notebooks. These questions largely matched the final examination paper administered on May 3, 2026. This arrest follows the recent detention of P.V. Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer accused of leaking chemistry questions through similar methods. In total, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the scandal, including suspects from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The investigation, initiated after a complaint from the Ministry of Education, involves ongoing searches and the seizure of digital devices and financial records to track down all beneficiaries and distributors of the leaked material.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduPune Teacher Arrested in NEET Biology Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Botany teacher from Pune, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 biology question paper leak. This arrest brings the total number of detained suspects to nine. Mandhare, who was appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency (NTA), allegedly leaked important questions to students through special coaching sessions organized in April. These sessions were facilitated by another accused, Manisha Wagmare, and the exam's main kingpin, PV Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer. The CBI reported that questions dictated during these classes matched the actual examination papers held on May 3, 2026. Investigations revealed that students paid significant sums to attend these illicit classes in Pune. Recent raids across six locations yielded incriminating evidence, including laptops and documents. The probe has identified the sources of leaks for both Chemistry and Biology papers and the middlemen involved. The case was initiated following a complaint by the Department of Higher Education, with suspects currently facing questioning or police custody in various cities including Delhi, Pune, and Jaipur.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000CBI Arrests Pune Professor in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior botany professor from Pune, in connection with the alleged leakage of the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper. Mandhare, who was appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency (NTA), allegedly had complete access to Botany and Zoology question papers. Investigators claim she conducted special coaching classes at her Pune residence in April 2026, where she disclosed specific questions to prospective candidates mobilized by an accomplice, Manisha Wagmare. These leaked questions reportedly matched the actual exam held on May 3. This arrest follows the detention of P V Kulkarni, a retired chemistry lecturer identified as another key source of the leak. The scandal has led to the cancellation of the original NEET-UG 2026 exam, with a retest scheduled for June 21. The CBI is currently analyzing seized evidence, including laptops and mobile phones, and scanning phone records of NTA-involved personnel to identify further links among the accused. Protests have erupted in New Delhi against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the incident.
The Indian ExpressMaharashtra Student Exposes NEET-UG Paper Leak; CBI Arrests Kingpin
A medical student in Maharashtra, Diipak Patil, exposed a massive leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper by sharing incriminating screenshots of WhatsApp and Telegram chats on Instagram. The digital evidence revealed a network known as the 'paper mafia' selling exam questions to students for fees ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 100,000. Chats showed providers sharing password-protected PDFs and offering refunds if the papers did not match. Following these revelations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested the alleged kingpin, PV Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer with access to the National Testing Agency's papers. Investigations revealed that Kulkarni and accomplices conducted special coaching sessions where they dictated exact questions and answers to select students. Nine individuals have been arrested so far, including biology teacher Manisha Mandhare. The case was filed after a complaint by the Union Education Ministry, highlighting a severe compromise in the integrity of India's competitive medical entrance examination system.
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