The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested nine individuals, including a retired chemistry professor, as it widens the probe into a suspected leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 paper. The investigation now covers multiple districts in Maharashtra and Rajasthan and has prompted the cancellation of the May 3 examination and the scheduling of a re‑exam.

The controversy surfaced in early May 2026 when the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of the NEET UG 2026 exam scheduled for May 3 due to alleged paper‑leak allegations [1]. Within days, the CBI disclosed that it had arrested nine suspects, identified a “kingpin,” and began questioning additional individuals linked to the case [2]. The probe is active in Maharashtra’s districts of Nanded, Pune, and Latur, as well as in Rajasthan, where local police are cooperating with the central agency [3].

The primary individuals named by the CBI include PV Kulkarni, a retired chemistry professor from Latur, Shubham Khairnar, and Manisha Mandhare, all alleged to have played roles in obtaining or distributing the examination paper [4]. The investigation also involves NTA officials, with the agency’s internal processes under scrutiny as the CBI seeks to identify how the paper may have been accessed before the scheduled test [2].

Scope of the Investigation

The CBI’s inquiry began after the NTA reported irregularities in the handling of the NEET UG 2026 question paper [1]. Initial arrests were made in Pune, where authorities detained a retired professor who had served on the NTA’s paper‑setting panel [4]. Subsequent raids extended to Latur, where the professor resided, and to Nanded, where family members of accused Shubham Khairnar were questioned [3].

In Rajasthan, the state police have been tasked with locating additional suspects and securing evidence related to the alleged leak [3]. The central agency has indicated that the investigation now includes “NTA officials and individuals linked to the accused,” suggesting a broader network of potential involvement [2].

The central agency has indicated that the investigation now includes “NTA officials and individuals linked to the accused,” suggesting a broader network of potential involvement [2].

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The CBI has publicly stated that it is “hunting the source” of the leak, emphasizing the need to trace the chain of custody for the examination paper from its creation by the NTA to the point where it may have been compromised [2]. The agency’s statements have been consistent across multiple briefings, underscoring a coordinated effort across state and central law‑enforcement bodies [3][4].

Legal Actions and Arrests

On May 14, 2026, the CBI announced the arrest of nine individuals, describing one as the alleged “kingpin” of the operation [2]. Among those detained was PV Kulkarni, whose long‑standing academic career included over three decades of teaching chemistry and a recent appointment to the NTA’s paper‑setting committee [4].

Shubham Khairnar and Manisha Mandhare were also taken into custody; both are reported to have connections to coaching networks that could have facilitated the distribution of the leaked paper [2][3]. The arrests were carried out in coordination with Maharashtra police, and the suspects are currently being held for further interrogation [3].

The CBI has filed charge sheets against the arrested individuals, alleging violations of the Indian Penal Code sections related to fraud, conspiracy, and tampering with official documents [2]. The agency has also seized electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers, believed to contain communications about the leak [4].

Impact on Examination Schedule and Stakeholders

Following the cancellation of the May 3 NEET UG 2026 exam, the NTA announced a re‑examination date to be set after the completion of the investigation [1]. The immediate effect has been the postponement of admission processes for medical and dental colleges across India, as the NEET score is a prerequisite for enrollment [1].

Students who had prepared for the original test date are required to retain eligibility for the rescheduled exam, while educational institutions are adjusting admission timelines to align with the new testing schedule [1].

Students who had prepared for the original test date are required to retain eligibility for the rescheduled exam, while educational institutions are adjusting admission timelines to align with the new testing schedule [1]. The scandal has prompted calls for stricter security protocols in future examinations, though specific policy changes have not yet been announced [2].

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Educators and coaching centers are reviewing internal safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to examination materials, given the involvement of a retired professor and alleged coaching network members in the alleged leak [4]. The ongoing investigation continues to influence public confidence in the integrity of national entrance examinations, with the CBI’s findings expected to inform future regulatory measures [2][3].

Key Facts

What: CBI arrests nine suspects, including a retired professor, in a probe of alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak.

When: Investigation intensified from mid‑May 2026; arrests announced on May 14, 2026.

Impact: NEET 2026 exam cancelled, re‑exam to be scheduled; students, colleges, and coaching institutions face immediate procedural adjustments.

Impact: NEET 2026 exam cancelled, re‑exam to be scheduled; students, colleges, and coaching institutions face immediate procedural adjustments.

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