In a massive breakthrough that threatens to upend the credibility of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Professor PV Kulkarni, identifying him as the “kingpin" behind the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer at Latur’s Dayanand Medical College, was reportedly a member of the committee tasked with setting the question paper for this year’s medical entrance exam.
The arrest, made in Pune, marks a significant shift in the investigation. Unlike the 2024 probe where the NTA was largely absolved of internal leaks, the 2026 investigation has pointed directly to an “insider role" from the outset.
The CBI’s investigation revealed a sophisticated operation led by Kulkarni during the final week of April 2026. Sources indicate that Kulkarni used his authorised access to the question papers to mobilise a select group of students with the assistance of an accomplice, Manisha Waghmare, who was apprehended by the agency on May 14.
The Secret Classes: Kulkarni allegedly conducted “special coaching classes" at his private residence in Pune for students who paid several lakhs of rupees for entry.
The Dictation: During these sessions, he dictated specific questions, options, and correct answers.
The Evidence: Students recorded these questions in their notebooks. Forensic analysis has confirmed that these handwritten notes exactly tally with the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper held on May 3.
Kulkarni originally hails from Latur, a known hub for medical coaching, but was operating out of Pune when the agency closed in. Following his interrogation, he is being produced before a Pune court for transit remand before being shifted to New Delhi for further questioning by top officials.
In the last 24 hours, the CBI has intensified its crackdown, conducting raids at multiple locations across India and seizing a haul of electronic gadgets, mobile phones, and incriminating documents.
The arrest of an insider directly involved in the paper-setting process is a major blow to the NTA. On Wednesday, CBI officials visited the NTA headquarters to seize records regarding the chain of custody of the question papers—from the moment they were drafted to their final dissemination.
The investigation was triggered on May 12 following a formal complaint from the Department of Higher Education. To date, the CBI has arrested eight individuals across Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, and Ahliyanagar. Five of these accused are already in seven-day police custody.
Source: News18