New Delhi/Pune: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Pune-based Chemistry lecturer for his alleged involvement in the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak case, which led to the cancellation of the national medical entrance examination conducted earlier this month.
The accused, identified as PV Kulkarni, was allegedly associated with the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and reportedly had access to confidential examination material before the test was conducted on May 3.
According to the CBI, Kulkarni was taken into custody on May 14 after questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged large-scale irregularities in the examination process.
Secret coaching session under scanner
Investigators alleged that the retired college professor leaked questions and answer keys to a select group of NEET-UG aspirants during a secret coaching session organised at his residence in Pune during the final week of April.
The CBI claimed that Kulkarni, along with another accused identified as Manisha Waghmare, dictated questions, multiple-choice options and correct answers to students attending the session.
Officials stated that the students allegedly handwritten the dictated content into notebooks during the coaching classes.
During the investigation, the agency reportedly found that the questions and answers recorded by the students matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 examination paper conducted on May 3.
The CBI stated that the matching material formed a significant part of the evidence against the accused.
Seven arrested so far in investigation
With the latest arrests, the total number of people arrested in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation has risen to seven.
The central agency is currently probing possible links involving coaching networks, examination insiders and other intermediaries suspected of facilitating the leak.
Investigators are also examining whether similar confidential coaching sessions were conducted in other cities before the examination.
Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the probe continues.
NEET-UG exam cancelled amid controversy
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical courses, commonly known as NEET-UG, was conducted by the NTA on May 3 for admissions to MBBS and other undergraduate medical programmes across India.
Around 22 lakh students reportedly appeared for the highly competitive examination this year.
However, controversy erupted after allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities surfaced from multiple states, including Rajasthan.
Following growing criticism and police investigations into alleged malpractice, the NTA officially cancelled the examination on May 12.
The cancellation triggered anxiety and uncertainty among lakhs of students and parents across the country.
NTA faces criticism over examination security
The paper leak controversy has intensified criticism against the National Testing Agency over examination security and management standards.
Several student organisations and opposition parties have questioned the agency’s ability to conduct large-scale national examinations fairly and transparently.
The NTA had earlier stated that the examination was conducted under “full security protocol” and that it was monitoring reports related to alleged irregularities.
However, the subsequent arrests and cancellation of the examination have raised serious concerns regarding confidentiality breaches and systemic lapses.
Aspirants face uncertainty
The cancellation of the examination has left medical aspirants across India uncertain about the revised examination schedule and admission timelines.
Many students had reportedly spent several years and significant amounts of money preparing for the examination through coaching institutions and private training centres.
Parents and student groups have demanded strict action against those responsible for the leak and stronger safeguards for future national examinations.
The Union government and the NTA are expected to announce further steps regarding the re-conduct of the examination and revised admission procedures in the coming weeks.
Investigation likely to widen further
CBI officials indicated that the investigation is likely to expand further as digital evidence, communication records and financial transactions linked to the accused are being analysed.
The agency is also examining whether organised networks profited from the alleged leak by charging aspirants for access to confidential examination material.
Authorities stated that ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence in national entrance examinations remains a key priority in the ongoing investigation.