Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Sunday granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) 14 days’ custody of Pune-based Botany lecturer Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, as investigators intensify their probe into what they describe as a nationwide examination fraud network.
The CBI told the court that Mandhare, who was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert and translator for the medical entrance examination process, allegedly leaked Biology questions to selected students through private coaching sessions conducted before the May 3 exam.
The agency informed the court that it is now investigating the entire examination process followed by the NTA, including allegations that large sums of money were collected from aspirants in exchange for leaked questions. The defence opposed the remand, claiming no incriminating material was recovered from Mandhare’s residence and arguing that she had already cooperated with investigators earlier.
CBI Alleges Organised Coaching-And-Leak Network
During the hearing, the CBI described Mandhare as one of the “key sources” behind the alleged Biology paper leak. According to investigators, she had access to confidential Botany and Zoology question papers because of her role in the NEET-UG examination process. Officials alleged that in April 2026, Mandhare, along with co-accused Manisha Waghmare, mobilised prospective NEET candidates and conducted “special coaching sessions” at her residence in Pune, where students were allegedly dictated questions likely to appear in the examination and asked to note them down in textbooks and notebooks.
The agency claimed that many of these questions later appeared in the actual examination held on May 3. Investigators also told the court that they are tracing the money trail linked to the leak, amid allegations that students paid lakhs of rupees to gain access to the leaked content. The court permitted Mandhare’s counsel to meet her briefly during custody while allowing the agency to continue interrogation.
Nine Arrested As Multi-State Probe Expands
The case has rapidly widened into a multi-state investigation spanning Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Kerala. The CBI registered the case on May 12 following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education after Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group reportedly uncovered evidence of a “paper leak mafia”.
Officials allege that leaked “guess papers” were sold for anywhere between ₹10 lakh and ₹25 lakh. So far, at least nine accused persons have been arrested from different parts of the country, including Pune, Nashik, Jaipur, Gurugram and Delhi. Investigators have also conducted raids at multiple locations, seizing laptops, mobile phones, bank documents and other electronic evidence for forensic examination. Reports suggest the alleged network involved middlemen, coaching facilitators and examination insiders who coordinated access to students willing to pay substantial amounts for leaked material.
The controversy has reignited concerns over the credibility of India’s highly competitive entrance examination system. NEET-UG remains one of the country’s largest examinations, with lakhs of students competing annually for limited medical seats. Following the leak allegations, protests have erupted in several cities, while opposition leaders and student groups have demanded accountability from the Union Education Ministry and the NTA.
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticised those involved in the alleged scam, saying the accused had “ruined the lives” of students and should face strict consequences. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” approach towards examination malpractice and indicated that authorities are considering reforms, including a shift towards computer-based testing from 2027 to strengthen exam security.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The alleged NEET-UG paper leak once again exposes the deep anxieties surrounding fairness, transparency and trust in India’s examination system. For millions of students and families, these exams represent years of hard work, sacrifice and hope for social mobility. Allegations that insiders may have exploited this system for financial gain not only undermine institutional credibility but also damage the emotional wellbeing of honest aspirants.
While the investigation must proceed impartially and due legal process should be ensured for every accused person, the larger focus must remain on rebuilding public trust through stronger safeguards, independent oversight and humane engagement with affected students. Competitive examinations should reward merit and equal opportunity, not privilege or access to corrupt networks. What reforms do you believe are necessary to make India’s entrance examination system more transparent, secure and fair for every student?
The Rouse Avenue court in the national capital on Sunday (May 17, 2026) remanded Manisha Mandhare, a botany expert and National Testing Agency (NTA) panellist, to 14 days of CBI custody in connection with the NEET-UG Exam Paper leak case.https://t.co/7FxLvpX7CZ
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 17, 2026
