CBI Alleges Multi-State NEET-UG Paper Leak Conspiracy
The Central Bureau of Investigation has alleged that the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak was part of a coordinated, multi-state criminal conspiracy involving subject experts appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), middlemen, coaching operators and candidates.
In its chargesheet filed before the Special CBI Court at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue, the agency has named 13 accused, including three NTA-appointed subject experts. The CBI alleges that the experts exploited their official positions to access confidential examination papers before the test and pass them through intermediaries in exchange for money.
Three NTA Subject Experts Named
The three NTA-appointed experts named in the chargesheet are Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Botany specialist, Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni, a Chemistry expert, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, a Physics expert.
According to the CBI allegations, the experts leaked confidential NEET-UG 2026 questions, which were subsequently circulated among coaching operators and brokers before reaching candidates.
The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Leaked Papers Were Shared On Telegram And WhatsApp
The investigation reportedly uncovered electronic evidence showing that leaked question papers were circulated through Telegram, WhatsApp and other messaging applications several days before the examination.
Forensic examination of seized mobile phones, pen drives and other devices recovered PDF and image files containing the alleged leaked NEET-UG 2026 questions.
The CBI said the digital evidence helped investigators reconstruct how the papers moved across multiple states through the accused and intermediaries.
₹25 Lakh Payment Allegedly Made For Paper
The chargesheet alleges that Shubham Khairnar paid ₹25 lakh to Dhananjay Lokhande for the leaked paper.
Investigators reportedly found chats on Yash Yadav’s phone with a contact saved as “AP Broker”, which the CBI identified as Khairnar. The phone also allegedly contained PDF files containing the leaked question paper.
The investigation further alleges that Lokhande received the papers from Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, who arranged for physical copies to be delivered through intermediaries.
Candidate Allegedly Offered Paper For ₹4 Lakh
The chargesheet also refers to statements from candidates. In one case, a candidate and her father were allegedly offered access to the NEET-UG 2026 question paper for ₹4 lakh.
The alleged offer reportedly included coaching support and offline revision classes conducted by one of the NTA subject experts.
According to the CBI, these interactions took place between late 2025 and early 2026, forming part of the wider conspiracy.
Summary
The CBI has alleged that the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak was a coordinated multi-state conspiracy involving three NTA-appointed subject experts and other accused. Its chargesheet names 13 people and alleges that leaked questions were circulated through Telegram, WhatsApp and intermediaries. The CBI alleges one accused paid ₹25 lakh for the paper, while another candidate was allegedly offered access for ₹4 lakh along with coaching support.