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A biology lecturer allegedly mobilized students for the NEET-UG paper leak, deepening the probe into the National Testing Agency’s security failures.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a biology lecturer from Pune, identified as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. This arrest marks a significant escalation in the probe into the alleged theft and distribution of question papers for the 2026 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.
Mandhare, who was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert, possessed complete access to the botany and zoology question papers. The CBI alleges that during April 2026, she collaborated with Manisha Waghmare, a Pune-based beauty salon owner already arrested on May 14, to mobilize prospective NEET candidates. Together, they organized special coaching classes at Mandhare’s residence in Pune. During these sessions, Mandhare reportedly disclosed various questions from the subjects, instructing students to record them in their notebooks and mark them in their textbooks. The agency states that the majority of these disclosed questions matched the actual NEET UG 2026 examination paper, which was held on May 3, 2026.
In the last 24 hours, the CBI conducted raids at six locations across the country. Authorities seized laptops, bank statements, and mobile phones as part of the ongoing investigation. This operation has brought the total number of accused in the case to nine. Among them is Pune-based chemistry lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, who was detained on charges of leaking chemistry questions. Like Mandhare, Kulkarni allegedly had access to question papers due to his involvement in the examination process on behalf of the NTA.
Kulkarni is described as the "kingpin" of the chemistry paper leak. During the last week of April 2026, he allegedly utilized Manisha Waghmare to gather students. He then conducted special coaching classes at his Pune residence, dictating questions, answer options, and correct responses. Students were instructed to write these details down, and the content reportedly matched the actual examination paper exactly. The other individuals arrested in the case include Dhananjay Lokhande and Shubham Khairnar from Maharashtra, Mangilal, Vikas, and Dinesh Biwal from Rajasthan, and Yash Yadav from Haryana.
The CBI registered the case on May 12 following a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Special teams have been formed to track down beneficiaries and suspects, particularly those involved in distributing a "guess" paper that closely matched the actual exam. The agency’s swift action suggests a targeted effort to dismantle the network facilitating the leak.
In response to the breach of trust and security failures, the Centre has taken administrative action by appointing two Joint Secretaries and two Joint Directors to the National Testing Agency. Anuja Bapat, a 1998 batch officer of the Indian Statistical Service, and Ruchita Vij, a 2004 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS, Customs and Indirect Taxes), have been appointed as new Joint Secretaries for a term of five years. This order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Additionally, Akash Jain, an IRS (Income Tax) officer, and Aditya Rajendra Bhojgadhiya, an Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer, have been named Joint Directors. These appointments come as the government seeks to reinforce the institutional framework of the NTA following the revelation that appointed experts were complicit in the leak.
The arrests of Mandhare and Kulkarni highlight severe vulnerabilities within the examination process. Both individuals were insiders with legitimate access to sensitive materials. The CBI arrest of Mandhare reveals how expertise can be weaponized to compromise the integrity of one of India’s most critical medical entrance exams. The coordination with Manisha Waghmare indicates a organized syndicate rather than isolated incidents.
The National Testing Agency now faces intense scrutiny regarding its vetting and monitoring of experts. The fact that questions were disclosed weeks in advance, yet the exam proceeded, suggests gaps in real-time security protocols. The seizure of digital evidence, including laptops and bank statements, will be crucial in tracing the financial flows and identifying other potential beneficiaries of the leak. The involvement of experts from different regions, including Rajasthan and Haryana, points to a nationwide network.
The government’s quick administrative response, including the appointment of new leadership, signals a willingness to overhaul the agency’s structure. However, the NEET-UG paper leak has already impacted the trust of millions of students and parents. The legal proceedings against the nine accused will determine the scale of the conspiracy and whether higher-level officials were involved.
The appointment of new Joint Secretaries and Directors underscores the government's determination to restore credibility to the testing agency. With the CBI actively pursuing the syndicate, the long-term impact may include stricter background checks, encrypted question paper handling, and immediate disciplinary action for any insider complicity. As the legal process unfolds, the nation awaits a comprehensive audit to prevent future breaches of this magnitude.
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