CBI Arrests Second Alleged Mastermind in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a second alleged “kingpin” in the massive NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, intensifying the probe into one of India’s biggest examination controversies in recent years.

The accused, identified as Pune-based biology lecturer Manisha Mandhare, was reportedly part of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) expert panel involved in the NEET-UG paper-setting process. Investigators believe she allegedly misused her insider access to confidential exam material and shared portions of the paper before the examination.

According to investigators, Mandhare allegedly conducted special coaching sessions where students were provided with questions and answers that later closely matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 examination paper. Officials suspect the leak network operated through secret coaching groups and handwritten notes circulated among selected candidates.

The arrest comes just a day after the CBI detained chemistry professor PV Kulkarni, who has been described as another major mastermind behind the leak operation. Kulkarni was also reportedly associated with the NTA paper-setting process and allegedly used his role to gain access to confidential question papers.

How the Alleged Leak Network Worked

Investigators claim the accused organized closed-door “special classes” for selected students in Pune during the final week before the examination. During these sessions, leaked questions were allegedly dictated verbally, and students wrote them manually into notebooks to avoid digital evidence trails.

The leaked material reportedly matched the final NEET-UG 2026 question paper “almost exactly,” raising serious concerns about internal security failures within the examination system.

Government Announces Major Reforms After Leak

The NEET-UG 2026 exam, originally conducted on May 3, was cancelled following nationwide outrage over the leak allegations. The government has announced that the re-examination will now be held on June 21, with fresh admit cards to be issued to candidates before the exam.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government would maintain “zero tolerance” towards exam-related corruption and assured strict action against everyone involved in the leak network. Authorities are also considering shifting NEET to a computer-based format from next year to improve security.

Students Demand Accountability

The controversy has sparked protests across several states, with students and parents demanding accountability from the NTA. Lakhs of aspirants have expressed frustration and anxiety after the cancellation of the exam, saying the scandal has disrupted their academic future and caused immense emotional stress.

Education experts have also raised questions about the growing influence of organized paper leak rackets in India’s competitive examination system.