NEW DELHI – A Delhi court has ordered Manisha GURUNATH MANDHARE, identified as a senior botany teacher and NTA panellist from Pune, into 14 days of custody with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The development on Sunday, May 17, 2026, places Mandhare at the center of the unfolding investigation into the alleged paper leak of the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Mandhare is suspected of being a co-mastermind in the Biology paper leak, allegedly conspiring with others to share question papers and content for significant monetary benefit. Investigators assert Mandhare possessed access to confidential Botany and Zoology question papers due to her role in the examination process.
Allegations of Conspiracy and Monetary Gain
The CBI contends that Mandhare worked alongside accused individuals, including Manisha WAGHMARE and PRAHLAD VITTAL RAO KULKARNI, to leak examination materials to students. These students allegedly attended special coaching sessions at Mandhare's Pune residence, where key Biology questions were reportedly dictated and discussed.
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"Mandhare allegedly had conspired with other co-accused persons… to leak questions and content to students for a substantial monetary gain. She also received the money from students."
Mandhare is also accused of passing on the leaked paper to another alleged conspirator identified as SHUBHAM. The agency's plea for extended custody highlighted that the case is in its "very initial and crucial stage," with further accused persons yet to be identified as part of a "larger conspiracy."
Broader Investigation and Suspicions
The arrest of Mandhare is part of a widening probe, with nine individuals apprehended so far from various cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, and Pune. The CBI has reportedly conducted searches across six locations nationwide, seizing documents, laptops, and mobile phones.
"The alleged NEET-UG paper leak once again exposes the deep anxieties surrounding fairness, transparency and trust in India’s examination system."
Mandhare, a lecturer at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Pune, has allegedly been involved in the NEET paper-setting process for several years. The controversy has amplified concerns regarding the integrity of India's highly competitive entrance examination system, particularly the NEET-UG, which sees millions of students vying for limited medical seats annually.
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Two other individuals arrested on Friday were initially presented before a court in Pune before being transferred to Delhi under transit remand.
'NEET-UG 2026 paper leak' 'CBI custody' 'Manisha Mandhare' 'NTA' 'examination integrity'
