New Delhi. The CBI, which is investigating the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, has stated in its charge sheet that NTA experts were responsible for the paper leak. The CBI revealed in the 94-page charge sheet that chemistry expert PV Kulkarni, botany expert Manisha Mandhare, and physics expert Manisha Havaldar allegedly memorized the question paper questions during the moderation process, then made notes on handouts and marked the relevant NCERT chapters. The questions were then distributed to students through coaching networks and their trusted intermediaries.
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court will take cognizance of the CBI charge sheet on August 10. According to the CBI, PV Kulkarni and Manisha Mandhare secretly organized special revision sessions for NEET students at their homes in Pune. During these sessions, the candidates were verbally instructed on the NEET question paper questions, their options, and the correct answers, which the students then noted down. Meanwhile, Manisha Havaldar verbally briefed the questions and answers to her trusted coaching teachers with whom she had a deal. These notes were then photographed and forwarded.
The CBI has named 13 people as accused in its charge sheet, including NTA experts, coaching operators, a Pune doctor, and several others. All of these accused are currently in jail under judicial custody. The CBI conducted raids at numerous locations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi in connection with the paper leak. Following the paper leak, the NEET UG re-exam was held on June 21st, and the results have been declared. Following student protests against the paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post, taking moral responsibility for the students’ well-being.