The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune, Maharashtra, in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Investigators claim she was one of the key masterminds behind the leak of Biology questions for the national medical entrance exam. Mandhare was arrested in Delhi after extensive questioning by the agency.
NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: NTA Expert Had Access To Question Papers
According to the CBI, Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 examination process and had been appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert. Officials said this gave her direct access to Botany and Zoology question papers.
The agency alleged that she used this access to leak questions to selected candidates before the examination.
NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Coaching Sessions Conducted At Pune Residence
Investigators claimed that during April 2026, Mandhare contacted NEET aspirants through another accused, Manisha Wagmare, who was arrested earlier on May 14.
The CBI alleged that Mandhare conducted special coaching classes at her residence in Pune, where she discussed and revealed several Botany and Zoology questions to students. Candidates were reportedly asked to note down the questions and mark them in their textbooks.
Officials said many of these questions later matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper held on May 3.
NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Conducts Searches Across India
The agency also carried out searches at six locations across the country in the last 24 hours. During the raids, officials seized laptops, mobile phones, bank statements and several important documents.
The CBI said the seized material is currently being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Nine Arrested So Far
The CBI registered the case on May 12, 2026, following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
So far, nine accused have been arrested from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar. Five accused have already been sent to seven days of police custody for further interrogation. Two other accused arrested recently in Pune were later shifted to Delhi after obtaining transit remand and are expected to be produced before a Delhi court.
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