New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested the alleged kingpin behind the NEET-UG 2026 Examination paper leak case, stating that its investigation has uncovered the “actual source of the Chemistry paper leak” and the role of middlemen involved in mobilising students.
The accused, identified as PV Kulkarni, was associated with the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the now-cancelled exam, and, hence, had access to the question papers for the entrance test conducted on May 3, the central agency said.
The CBI said, “During the last week of April 2026, he allegedly mobilized students with the help of another accused, Ms. Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested by CBI on 14th May, and conducted special coaching classes for these students at his residence in Pune.”
The agency further stated, “During these special coaching classes, Shri P.V. Kulkarni allegedly dictated the questions along with options and correct answers. The questions so dictated were handwritten by students in their notebooks and have exactly tallied with the actual question paper of the NEET-UG 2026 Examination held on 03.05.2026.”
Kulkarni, originally from Latur, was arrested in Pune after detailed interrogation. The CBI also conducted searches at multiple locations across the country over the last 24 hours and seized “incriminating documents, electronic gadgets and mobile phones.” Officials said forensic and technical analysis of the seized items is underway.
The agency recalled that it had registered the case on May 12, 2026, based on a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding the alleged paper leak.
“Immediately after registration of the case, special teams were constituted and searches were conducted at various locations across the country. Several suspects were picked up and interrogated,” the agency said.
Till Thursday, seven accused had been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar. According to the CBI, five accused have already been remanded to seven days of police custody, while two others arrested on Thursday are being produced before a Pune court for transit remand before being shifted to Delhi.
The agency said, “CBI remains committed to a comprehensive, impartial and professional investigation in the case.”
