Central Bureau of Investigation has identified and arrested the alleged mastermind behind the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. The accused, PV Kulkarni, originally from Latur, was working in Pune where he was eventually arrested.
According to the CBI, Kulkarni was associated with the medical entrance examination process through the National Testing Agency, giving him access to the question papers. Officials, however, did not disclose further details regarding his exact role within the process.
How the questions were allegedly leaked
Investigators said that during the final week of April 2026, Kulkarni allegedly organised special coaching sessions for selected students at his residence in Pune with the assistance of another accused, Manisha Waghmare.
The NEET UG examination, which was held on May 3 and later cancelled, is scheduled to be conducted again on June 21. More than 22 lakh students had appeared for the exam, making it India’s largest entrance test.
CBI officials alleged that Kulkarni dictated chemistry questions, answer options and correct responses during the private sessions. Students reportedly wrote the dictated material by hand into notebooks.
According to investigators, the handwritten notes matched the actual NEET UG 2026 chemistry paper exactly.
Investigation and arrests
The case was initially uncovered in Rajasthan on May 7 before being transferred to the CBI.
The agency said its investigation led to Kulkarni after searches were conducted at multiple locations across the country. Officials seized several documents, mobile phones and electronic devices believed to be linked to the leak.
The seized material is currently undergoing detailed forensic and technical examination.
The CBI formally registered the case on May 12 following a complaint from the Ministry of Education. Special investigation teams were subsequently formed.
By May 14, seven accused had been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar. Five of them were produced before a court and sent to seven days of custody for interrogation.
The remaining two accused arrested on Thursday were being presented before a Pune court for transit remand to Delhi.
CBI says probe has identified source of leak
The agency said the investigation has so far revealed both the original source of the leaked chemistry paper and the network of middlemen involved in recruiting students.
According to the CBI, several students allegedly paid lakhs of rupees to attend the special coaching sessions where the leaked question banks were discussed and dictated.
The agency stated that it remains committed to conducting a comprehensive, impartial and professional investigation into the case.
