NEET 2026 Paper Leak Case: On May 12, one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations, NEET UG 2026, was reportedly disrupted following allegations of a question paper leak, prompting serious concerns over the integrity of the exam process.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since intensified its probe, arresting nine individuals from multiple cities in connection with the case. On Saturday, the CBI arrested Pune-based teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, whose alleged role has become a key focus of the investigation.
According to officials, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Maharashtra, allegedly had access to confidential Biology questions through her association with the examination system. She is said to have worked at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Pune’s Shivajinagar area and was involved in preparing Botany and Zoology questions for NEET UG 2026 in her capacity as an expert linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA).
How She Allegedly Leaked the Paper
Investigators claim her role gave her access to sensitive question papers ahead of the NEET UG exam held on May 3, 2026
She allegedly helped identify selected NEET aspirants in April 2026 through another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested earlier in the case
Officials say special coaching sessions were conducted at her residence in Pune
During these sessions, students were allegedly instructed to note important Botany and Zoology questions and mark key topics in textbooks
Several of these questions are believed to have closely matched the actual NEET UG 2026 Biology paper
Another Pune-based chemistry lecturer, P.V. Kulkarni, has emerged as a key accused in the alleged leak of chemistry questions. Officials say Kulkarni had access to the question papers due to his involvement in the examination process on behalf of the NTA.
According to investigators, the alleged racket gained momentum in April 2026 when Kulkarni, with the assistance of Manisha Waghmare, a beauty salon owner, reportedly brought together a group of students. He is said to have conducted informal coaching sessions at his Pune residence, where exam-related questions along with options and answers were allegedly dictated to candidates, many of which later matched the actual question paper.
Officials report that the scheme included a broader network of insiders, intermediaries, and candidates who allegedly paid substantial amounts of money to obtain likely exam questions in advance. The CBI registered the case on May 12, 2026, following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The re-examination has now been scheduled for June 21, with authorities advising candidates to stay updated through the official website.