CBI probes alleged NEET exam paper leak networks

The Central Bureau of Investigation on May 16 expanded its investigation into the cancelled NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance exam, with Indian media reporting that investigators were tracing how leaked Biology and Chemistry papers moved through intermediaries, coaching contacts and digital channels before the test. The probe follows the National Testing Agency’s cancellation of the May 3 exam after allegations that portions of the paper had circulated in advance. Reports published on Saturday said the CBI had made fresh arrests in Pune and was examining whether paid coaching sessions were used to pass on questions to candidates. The allegations have put fresh scrutiny on India’s biggest medical entrance test, taken by more than 2 million students each year. ### Which arrests pushed the probe forward on May 16? The Hindu reported on May 16 that the CBI arrested Pune-based biology lecturer Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak case. The same day, the newspaper separately reported the arrest of chemistry lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, whom investigators described as a key accused in the leak of the Chemistry paper. The Times of India reported that Kulkarni had been involved in the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency and was identified by the CBI as the “kingpin” behind the Chemistry paper leak. Times Now, citing the investigation, reported that Kulkarni was a retired professor who allegedly leaked questions from inside the exam-setting process and then ran secret coaching sessions in Pune. ### What are investigators alleging about the leaked papers? Times of India reported earlier this week that Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group said a “guess paper” containing matching Biology and Chemistry questions had been sold for between 1 million and 2.5 million rupees. NDTV reported that the CBI was monitoring social media groups and digital networks where alleged question papers and “guess papers” were shared before the examination. Hindustan Times reported that investigators had mapped a network of at least 24 people across Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. That report said the route under investigation ran from Nashik to Gurugram and involved couriers, coaching-belt contacts and what officials described to the newspaper as a private network moving exam material. ### Where do coaching centres enter the case? Times Now reported on May 16 that the CBI was examining allegations that secret paid coaching sessions in Pune were used to brief selected students after questions were accessed. The report said investigators were looking at whether those sessions were tied to accused persons already in custody. Hindustan Times and other outlets have separately described a wider coaching-centre angle, with investigators examining whether middlemen used preparation networks to identify buyers and distribute material. Those reports remain allegations under investigation, and the CBI has not publicly laid out a full account of how any coaching links operated. ### How broad is the case so far? The Indian Express reported on May 15 that the CBI had arrested five people and conducted searches across multiple states. The Hindu reported on May 16 that the total number of arrests had risen to eight after the latest Pune action. Livemint reported that the CBI registered the case on May 12 over alleged irregularities and a paper leak in NEET-UG 2026. The case has already stretched across Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik and Pune, according to those reports, with state police units and the CBI tracing financial transactions, phone records and the movement of candidates and suspects. ### What is still not publicly established? The CBI has not yet publicly released a full charge-sheet or a detailed reconstruction of when the papers were first removed, how many candidates received them, or whether any insider at printing, transport or exam-centre level was directly involved. NDTV reported that those angles were still under investigation. May 3 remains the key date in the case because that was the day the NEET-UG 2026 exam was held before being scrapped. May 12 is the date Livemint said the CBI formally registered its case, and May 16 is the date Indian media reported the latest arrests and the probe into alleged coaching-session links. Further arrests, searches and remand hearings are expected as the CBI continues the investigation.