Investigation – CBI Charges 13 in Alleged NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Conspiracy
Investigation –The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded that its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak points to a coordinated criminal network that allegedly involved National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts, coaching operators, brokers and intermediaries. According to the agency, confidential examination questions were illegally accessed and distributed to candidates in exchange for large payments.
The CBI has filed a chargesheet before the Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue, naming 13 accused in connection with the case. Those named include three NTA-appointed subject experts, coaching operators, intermediaries and candidates. The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The court will now examine the material placed before it before deciding the next legal course of action.
Alleged Role of NTA Subject Experts
According to the chargesheet, investigators believe the conspiracy began with three NTA subject experts entrusted with preparing examination material. The CBI has alleged that the officials misused their positions to gain unauthorized access to confidential NEET-UG 2026 question papers before the examination. The agency claims the papers were then passed on to members of an organized network that handled further distribution.
Investigators have identified the three experts as Botany specialist Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Chemistry expert Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni and Physics expert Manisha Sanjay Havaldar. The allegations against them will be examined during the judicial process.
Network Allegedly Used to Circulate Papers
The investigation claims the leaked examination papers were routed through a structured chain involving coaching operators, brokers and intermediaries. The chargesheet names Tejas Shah, Shivraj Motegaonkar, Dr Manoj Shirure, Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhananjay Lokhande, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar, Yash Yadav, Mangilal Biwal, Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal, alleging that each played a specific role in distributing the material and facilitating financial transactions.
According to the CBI, confidential question papers were shared in PDF and image formats using encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp several days before the examination. The agency stated that forensic examination of seized mobile phones, pen drives and other digital devices helped investigators trace the movement of the alleged leaked papers across multiple individuals.
Digital Evidence and Money Trail
The chargesheet outlines what investigators describe as the sequence through which the examination papers allegedly moved across the network. According to the CBI, Mangilal Biwal received the material through Telegram from Yash Yadav. Investigators allege that Biwal handed over his Class X and XII certificates along with a signed blank cheque as security during the transaction. These documents were later recovered during searches, the agency said.
The investigation further alleges that Yash Yadav obtained the question papers from Nashik-based accused Shubham Madhukar Khairnar. Forensic analysis of Yadav’s mobile phone reportedly recovered chat records with a contact identified by investigators as Khairnar, along with PDF files containing the alleged leaked NEET questions.
Financial Deal and Candidate Statements
According to the CBI, Khairnar told investigators that he received the papers from Dhananjay Lokhande in a transaction allegedly valued at ₹25 lakh. The agency further claims Lokhande obtained the material from Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, who allegedly arranged for physical copies of the papers to be delivered through intermediaries.
During searches conducted at Waghmare’s residence, investigators reportedly recovered a mobile phone containing a WhatsApp group titled “NEET 2026”, which the agency considers an important piece of evidence. The chargesheet also alleges that Waghmare maintained contact with NTA Chemistry expert Prahlad Kulkarni and secured Biology and Chemistry questions through students she had introduced to NTA experts.
The CBI has also cited statements from candidates examined during the investigation. According to the agency, one candidate and her father were allegedly offered access to the NEET-UG 2026 question paper for ₹4 lakh along with coaching assistance and offline revision classes conducted by one of the NTA subject experts. The alleged interactions are said to have taken place during late 2025 and early 2026.
Case Moves to Court
The investigating agency maintains that forensic evidence, recovered electronic devices, chat records, documents and witness statements collectively support its allegation of a coordinated criminal conspiracy involving abuse of official position and the illegal circulation of confidential examination material before NEET-UG 2026. The Special CBI Court will now review the chargesheet and supporting evidence before deciding whether to take cognisance of the case.