‘Entire NTA panel under scanner’: CBI widens NEET leak probe after 2nd insider arrest
The CBI has arrested a second kingpin in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case—a Pune-based botany lecturer who was part of the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting committee. The entire committee that set the paper and senior NTA officers are now under intense scrutiny, with more arrests expected in coming days .
This is the first time investigators have traced the leak source directly inside the NTA. The exam will be held again on June 21 after the original May 3 test was marred by the scandal .
Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, the arrested lecturer, had complete access to confidential Botany and Zoology sections thanks to her NTA appointment. During April, she conducted special coaching classes at her Pune home where she dictated questions that later appeared in the actual exam .
Students were brought to her through co-accused Manisha Waghmare, a Pune beauty parlour owner arrested earlier this week. Majority of the questions Mandhare shared tallied with the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper .
Her arrest came just one day after the CBI detained retired chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, whom investigators called the racket’s primary kingpin. Both used the same modus operandi—dictating leaked questions to selected students .
The CBI has now arrested nine people across five states in just four days. Searches at six locations recovered laptops, bank statements, mobile phones, and incriminating documents .
“One officer told HT this is unprecedented—we found the leak source at NTA itself. Once PDFs hit messaging groups, hundreds could have benefited. We’ll trace them all, but first we’re targeting the source and their associates” .
Investigators are also examining whether Kulkarni and Mandhare were involved in previous paper leaks. Mandhare will be brought to Delhi for further interrogation about others’ roles .
Read Also | NEET 2026 re-exam set for June 21, NTA confirms new date
What This Really Means For You
If you’re a NEET aspirant or parent, this changes everything. The June 21 re-exam will have stricter security, but the real impact is on your preparation timeline—many students lost months chasing leaked papers that may not even be valid. For honest students, this is good news: the playing field is leveling as the CBI traces beneficiaries. If you paid anyone for leaked questions, you’re now at risk of legal action since the CBI is mapping the entire chain.
The Bottom Line
The NEET leak scandal just hit the NTA’s own heart—when paper setters become the leakers, no exam is safe. If you’re appearing for June 21, study hard; the CBI is watching everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was arrested in the NEET leak case?
A: Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Pune botany lecturer on NTA’s paper-setting panel, was arrested as the second kingpin after PV Kulkarni .
Q: How many people have been arrested so far?
A: Nine people have been arrested across five states in four days, including Mandhare, Kulkarni, and beauty parlour owner Manisha Waghmare .
Q: When will NEET-UG be held again?
A: The NEET-UG exam will be held again on June 21, 2026, after the original May 3 test was cancelled due to the leak .
References
Hindustan Times — ‘Entire committee under scanner’: CBI widens probe after 2nd insider arrested for NEET paper leak — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/entire-committee-under-scanner-cbi-widens-probe-after-2nd-insider-arrested-for-neet-paper-leak-101778983546434.html
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