The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has identified and arrested the kingpin who was the source of the NEET-UG 2026 Examination paper leak.

Investigation has revealed that Shri P.V. Kulkarni, a Chemistry Lecturer involved in the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA), had access to the question papers. During the last week of April 2026, he allegedly mobilized students with the help of another accused, Ms. Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested by CBI on 14.05.2026, and conducted special coaching classes for these students at his residence in Pune.

During these special coaching classes, Shri P.V. Kulkarni allegedly dictated the questions along with options and correct answers. The questions so dictated were handwritten by students in their notebooks and have exactly tallied with the actual question paper of the NEET-UG 2026 Examination held on 03.05.2026.

Shri P.V. Kulkarni, originally belonging to Latur, has been arrested in Pune after thorough interrogation. In the last 24 hours, CBI has also conducted searches at several locations across the country and seized incriminating documents, electronic gadgets and mobile phones. Detailed forensic and technical analysis of the seized items is underway.

It may be recalled that CBI had registered the case on 12.05.2026 based on a written complaint received from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, pertaining to the alleged paper leak of the NEET-UG 2026 Examination. Immediately after registration of the case, special teams were constituted and searches were conducted at various locations across the country. Several suspects were picked up and interrogated.

Till yesterday, seven accused had been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar. Out of these, five accused have already been produced before the court and remanded to seven days’ police custody for detailed interrogation. The other two accused, who were arrested yesterday, are being produced before the court in Pune for transit remand and are being shifted to Delhi.

Investigation conducted so far has brought out the actual source of the Chemistry paper leak as well as the role of middlemen involved in mobilizing students who allegedly paid several lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching classes where the question banks were dictated and discussed.

CBI remains committed to a comprehensive, impartial and professional investigation in the case.

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Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor

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