India’s biggest entrance examination scam has taken a dramatic turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered how the NEET-UG 2026 question paper was allegedly leaked weeks before the examination through a carefully planned network involving subject experts, coaching intermediaries and digital communication channels. The findings, detailed in the agency’s chargesheet, reveal that the leak did not originate from printed question papers but from the confidential preparation process carried out before the exam.
According to the investigation, the leak began in April 2026, nearly a month before the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) was conducted on May 3. Three subject experts associated with the National Testing Agency’s confidential translation and proofreading work allegedly extracted examination questions while performing official duties. The leaked content was then circulated through handwritten notes, oral dictation, photographs and Telegram before reaching selected candidates.
The CBI identified the three experts as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, who worked on Botany and Zoology, Pralhad Vithalrao Kulkarni, responsible for Chemistry, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, who handled Physics. Investigators alleged that the trio exploited their access to confidential examination material during translation and verification work.
Special Revision Sessions Became The Leak Point
The chargesheet states that Kulkarni and Mandhare allegedly organised secret “special revision sessions” at their residences in Pune. During these unauthorised meetings, candidates were reportedly dictated exact examination questions, multiple-choice options and correct answers. Students attending the sessions wrote everything down in notebooks that later became crucial evidence during the investigation.
The Physics section allegedly followed a different route. According to investigators, Havaldar dictated questions to Pune-based coaching faculty member Tejas Harshadkumar Shah. Shah manually noted down the questions, photographed the handwritten pages and circulated the material further.
One of the striking details in the investigation is that Havaldar had reportedly saved Shah’s contact number under the name “God” on her mobile phone. Investigators also traced financial transactions linking Shah with Havaldar’s family, strengthening the alleged money trail connected to the leak.
Hospital Used To Help Candidates Memorise Questions
The CBI investigation also revealed an unusual method allegedly adopted to prepare selected candidates before the examination.
According to the chargesheet, Pune-based paediatrician Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure worked alongside the accused experts to organise coaching sessions inside Siddhivinayak Hospital in Maharashtra’s Latur district. Candidates were allegedly brought to the hospital, where they were instructed to memorise the leaked question bank before appearing for the examination.
During searches conducted as part of the investigation, officials recovered Rs 5 lakh in cash from a family member of Dr Shirure. The agency is examining whether the money was linked to the illegal distribution of examination material.
Telegram Helped Spread The NEET Leak Across States
The investigation suggests the operation expanded well beyond Maharashtra through a network of intermediaries using digital platforms.
According to the CBI, Nashik resident Shubham Khairnar established contact with Gurugram-based Yash Yadav. The handwritten questions were converted into PDF documents and allegedly shared through Telegram.
Yadav is accused of forwarding these PDFs to Jaipur-based Mangilal Biwal for payments reportedly ranging between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. The material was then printed and distributed among candidates connected with coaching institutes, tutors and family members preparing for NEET.
Investigators believe this organised network enabled confidential examination material to move from the NTA’s preparation process to candidates in multiple states before the examination was conducted.
Forensic Evidence Strengthens CBI Case
The CBI says forensic analysis has played a crucial role in supporting the investigation.
Handwritten notebooks seized during raids were examined by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and handwriting experts from the Government Examiner of Questioned Documents (GEQD). The analysis reportedly confirmed that the questions written in the notebooks matched the actual NEET-UG question papers used during the May 3 examination.
Investigators also recovered digital payment records, financial transactions and electronic evidence that allegedly connects several accused individuals with the movement of the leaked material.
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was later cancelled by the National Testing Agency after the paper leak surfaced. A nationwide re-examination was conducted on June 21 to ensure fairness for millions of medical aspirants.
The CBI investigation continues as officials work to establish the complete conspiracy, identify additional beneficiaries and determine whether more individuals were involved in what is being described as one of India’s biggest examination paper leak cases.
