CBI arrests NTA-appointed expert in NEET-UG 2026 Physics paper leak
The CBI has arrested another key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, claiming she was the source of leaked Physics questions. The accused, an NTA-appointed expert from Pune, allegedly shared questions that later matched the actual exam paper sets.
Another key accused, identified as Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, has been arrested by the CBI after extensive interrogation in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.
Havaldar, who is currently employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, Maharashtra, was allegedly involved in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process as an expert appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). According to the CBI, she had complete access to the Physics question papers.
The agency alleged that during April 2026, she shared several Physics questions related to the NEET exam with co-accused Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested earlier on May 16.
Investigators said the questions allegedly shared by Havaldar matched those that eventually appeared in the Physics sections of multiple NEET UG paper sets.
SEARCHES CONDUCTED ACROSS MAJOR CITIES
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI has conducted searches at several locations across the country and seized multiple incriminating materials, including laptops, mobile phones, bank statements, and documents. Officials said forensic and technical analysis of the seized material is currently underway.
The CBI had registered the case on May 12, following a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding the alleged leak of NEET-UG 2026 question papers. Soon after the FIR was filed, special investigation teams were formed and raids were conducted at multiple locations nationwide. Several suspects were subsequently detained and questioned.
11 ACCUSED ARRESTED SO FAR
So far, 11 accused have been arrested from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar in connection with the case.
According to the CBI, the investigation has now uncovered what it describes as the “actual source” of the question paper leak. The agency also claimed to have identified and arrested intermediaries who allegedly mobilised students willing to pay lakhs of rupees for access to “special coaching sessions” where questions purportedly appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 examination were allegedly shared in advance.
The CBI said the investigation remains ongoing and reiterated its commitment to conducting a “comprehensive, impartial and professional” probe into the matter.