CBI Identifies NEET UG Leak Mastermind
The Central Bureau of Investigation has identified chemistry lecturer P.V. Kulkarni as the alleged mastermind behind the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, widening the probe into suspected insider involvement in the national medical entrance examination.
NEET UG Paper Leak Mastermind Identified
According to the CBI, Kulkarni allegedly had access to the NEET UG 2026 question paper through his role in the examination process conducted on behalf of the National Testing Agency.
Investigators alleged that he leaked questions to a group of students before the May 3 examination. The development is being treated as a major breakthrough in the probe into how confidential exam material reached candidates before the test.
Chemistry Lecturer Accused In Leak Case
The CBI has alleged that Kulkarni, with the help of another accused, Manisha Waghmare, gathered students and conducted special coaching sessions at his residence in Pune during the last week of April.
During these sessions, he allegedly dictated questions, answer options and correct responses to students, who wrote them down in notebooks. Investigators said the handwritten material matched the actual NEET UG 2026 paper.
Seven Arrested In NEET UG Probe
The agency has arrested seven accused so far from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar in connection with the case. Five of them have already been produced before a court and sent to police custody for interrogation.
The NEET UG 2026 exam, held on May 3, was cancelled after the leak allegations. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21, while the Centre has announced that NEET UG will shift to a computer-based test format from next year.
