The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Professor P.V. Kulkarni, identified as the central figure in the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 chemistry paper. Kulkarni, a chemistry professor based in Pune, is accused of dictating questions, their answers, and options to students during private coaching sessions, which were then allegedly transcribed into notebooks. The arrest marks a significant development, with the CBI indicating the leak originated from within the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting the examination. This suggests an 'insider' connection to the paper-setting process itself, a serious blow to the NTA's credibility.
Thus far, the CBI has arrested eight individuals across various locations including Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, and Pune. Five of these accused are currently in CBI custody for further interrogation. The investigation into the broader conspiracy, which reportedly began a week before the exam, is ongoing. Documents suggest a chain of transmission, with individuals like Lokhande and Khairnar involved in further disseminating the paper after its initial receipt. Yash Yadav and Shubham are also named as figures who allegedly received or offered leaked papers, with Mangilal Khatik reportedly receiving question papers on April 29th via Telegram.
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Probe Widens, NTA Under Scrutiny
The CBI has informed a Delhi court that the NEET paper leak originated from a source linked to the examination conducting body. This statement underscores the internal nature of the alleged breach. The investigation, which initially involved the Rajasthan Special Operations Group, has expanded significantly. The CBI has invoked provisions under the criminal conspiracy, cheating, and examination misconduct acts, signaling the gravity of the alleged wrongdoing.
The agency told the court that the NEET paper leak originated from someone linked to the organisation that conducts the examination.
The controversy erupted following allegations of widespread irregularities, leading to the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination held on May 3rd. The cancellation, announced on May 12th, followed social media circulation of purported question papers with striking similarities to the actual exam. The NTA itself had reportedly received complaints and inputs regarding the unauthorized circulation of examination-related documents prior to the exam, prompting the comprehensive investigation.
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Background of the Controversy
The NEET-UG examination, a crucial gateway for undergraduate medical admissions in India, was conducted on May 3rd. Soon after, claims of a paper leak surfaced, accompanied by purported evidence circulating on social media platforms. These allegations triggered widespread outrage and prompted a multi-agency investigation. The CBI’s subsequent involvement aimed to conduct a comprehensive probe into the nature and extent of the alleged irregularities and identify all involved parties.
The examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses, conducted on May 3, was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak.
The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation has spread across multiple states, with the CBI forming special teams to follow up on leads. The NTA has announced that the cancelled examination will be re-conducted on June 21st. Professor Kulkarni, originally from the Latur district of Maharashtra, was arrested in Pune after detailed interrogation.
