NEET-UG paper leak: CBI arrests Pune Botany teacher accused of masterminding scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Saturday arrested a Pune-based Botany lecturer who was allegedly part of the paper-setting panel for the 2026 NEET-UG exam, officials said.

Investigators have described her as one of the key conspirators behind the alleged leak of Biology questions. The accused, identified as Manisha Mandhare, was arrested in Delhi after prolonged questioning at the CBI headquarters. Her arrest follows the interrogation of alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni and other accused already in custody in the paper leak case.

Mandhare is employed at Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce and had reportedly been associated with question paper-setting work for NEET on behalf of the National Testing Agency for the last several years. According to officials, she played a role in preparing Botany and Zoology questions for the 2026 examination conducted on May 3.

The CBI alleged that Mandhare misused her access to confidential examination material and leaked questions to select NEET aspirants during private coaching sessions held in Pune in April 2026. Investigators claimed she dictated questions and answers to students, asked them to note the material in notebooks and textbooks, and charged large sums of money for the sessions.

According to the agency, several questions discussed during those coaching classes closely matched the ones that eventually appeared in the examination.

Officials further alleged that candidates for these secret sessions were mobilised with the help of Manisha Wagmare, who was arrested earlier this week. The CBI said Mandhare conducted the classes at her residence in Pune.

Investigators also linked the alleged operation to a similar method purportedly used by Kulkarni, who is accused of leaking Chemistry questions through coaching sessions conducted from his residence. Kulkarni was arrested on Friday and later produced before a Delhi court along with Wagmare.

The CBI sought 14 days of custody for the accused, telling the court that the investigation could require visits to multiple locations to uncover the wider conspiracy behind the paper leak.

So far, nine people have been arrested in connection with the case from cities including Pune, Delhi, Jaipur and Gurugram, officials said.