CBI Arrests Key Suspect in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Scandal

Major Arrest in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made a significant arrest in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, which is the largest medical entrance examination in the country. The agency apprehended a female suspect from Pune, Maharashtra, who is believed to be a key figure behind the leak of physics questions. The arrested individual has been identified as Manisha Sanjay Hawaldar, who was employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf School in Pune. According to the CBI, the questions shared by Hawaldar were found to closely match the actual physics paper prepared for NEET-UG 2026, leading the agency to consider her a crucial link in the entire paper leak network.

Details of the Leak

Investigations by the CBI revealed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) had appointed Manisha Hawaldar as an expert for the NEET-UG 2026 examination process, granting her direct access to the physics question papers. It is alleged that during April 2026, she shared several physics questions with co-accused Manisha Mandhare. The CBI had previously arrested Mandhare on May 16, 2026. In connection with this case, the CBI conducted raids across various locations in the country, seizing important documents, laptops, bank statements, and mobile phones.

Rapid Progress of CBI Investigation

To uncover the full extent of the paper leak network and identify all individuals involved, forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices and documents is underway. The CBI reported that this case was registered on May 12, 2026, following a written complaint filed by the higher education department under the Ministry of Education, alleging that the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper had been leaked. Immediately after the case was registered, the CBI formed special teams and initiated actions across various locations nationwide.

Total Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

So far, a total of 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with this case, with arrests made in cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar. The investigation has also revealed that some intermediaries were charging students large sums of money to send them to specific coaching classes, where they were allegedly provided with only the questions that would appear in the NEET examination.

According to the CBI, the identities of the intermediaries involved in this entire racket have also been established, who claimed to provide examination papers in exchange for hefty amounts from students and parents. The agency has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and efforts will continue to expose the entire network behind the paper leak. The CBI emphasized that based on the current findings, they have successfully traced the original source of the question paper leak, and further significant revelations are expected in the coming days.