The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an alleged “kingpin” in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case from Pune, Maharashtra, in a major breakthrough in the nationwide investigation.
According to investigators, the accused has been identified as P.V. Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer originally from Latur who was allegedly involved in the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination process. Officials said he had access to confidential NEET question papers before the examination.
The CBI claims Kulkarni used his access to leak questions and conduct secret coaching sessions for selected students at his residence in Pune before the exam. During these sessions, he allegedly dictated questions, answer options and correct answers to candidates linked to the racket.
Nationwide Probe Expands
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted on May 3 and later cancelled after allegations of a large scale paper leak surfaced across multiple states. Over 22 lakh students had appeared for the exam, making it one of India’s largest entrance tests.
CBI officials said several raids were carried out in the last 24 hours across different states, leading to the seizure of electronic devices, documents, and mobile phones connected to the case.
So far, multiple accused have been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik and Pune as investigators probe a wider network involving middlemen, coaching operators and suspected insiders.
Insider Role Under Scanner
Investigators are now focusing on whether individuals linked to the exam setting and distribution process inside the NTA helped facilitate the leak. Reports suggest the CBI is examining the role of public servants and a possible larger conspiracy behind the scandal.
The agency also suspects leaked papers may have been converted into PDFs and distributed digitally before the exam.
Government Response
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured strict action against all accused and announced major reforms for future examinations. The government has decided that NEET will shift toward a computer based examination format from next year to improve security and reduce leak risks.
The NEET-UG 2026 exam is now scheduled to be reconducted on June 21 under tighter security arrangements.
