CBI arrests 'mastermind' Pune biology teacher in NEET-UG paper leak case

The arrest was made on the basis of questioning of alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni, a retired Chemistry professor, and other accused in the paper leak case, officials said.National Students' Union of India (NSUI) members being detained during a demonstration against the National Testing Agency (NTA) over an alleged question paper leak in the NEET-UG, outside NTA office, in New Delhi on May 16, 2026. (PTI Photo)The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested a biology lecturer who was part of the National Testing Agency's (NTA) paper-setting committee for the 2026 NEET-UG entrance examination held on May 3, officials said.The arrest was made on the basis of questioning of alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni, a retired Chemistry professor, and other accused in the paper leak case, they said.The latest accused to be arrested has been identified as Manisha Mandhare, a Botany professor. She works at the Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce in Pune. As per sources from the college, she has contributed to question paper-setting for NEET on behalf of the NTA for the past five to six years. Mandhare had helped set the Botany and Zoology Questions for the NEET 2026 question paper.This is a developing story. It will be updated.- Ends(With inputs from agencies)Published By: Sahil SinhaPublished On: May 16, 2026 15:34 IST