New Delhi/Jaipur/Pune: The investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has revealed an elaborate network involving insiders, middlemen, coaching links and handwritten circulation of questions, with the CBI now identifying Pune-based chemistry lecturer P V Kulkarni as the alleged “source” of the leak.
According to investigators, Kulkarni was associated with the National Testing Agency’s examination process and had access to confidential NEET-UG question papers. The CBI alleges that he exploited this access to conduct “special coaching sessions” from his residence in Pune during the last week of April, days before the examination, reported HT.
During these sessions, students were allegedly asked to handwrite questions, options and correct answers dictated by Kulkarni. Investigators claim the handwritten notes later matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper “exactly”. Students are suspected to have paid several lakh rupees for access to the sessions.
The probe has also uncovered a wider distribution chain stretching across Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Haryana. According to investigators cited by multiple reports, the leaked paper was first accessed through individuals connected to the network before being scanned into PDF files in Rajasthan and circulated digitally among selected aspirants and coaching centres.
CBI findings suggest that a handwritten copy of the question paper was scanned by the father of a medical aspirant in Rajasthan before being shared electronically. Officials are also probing the role of “solver gangs” and counsellors who allegedly connected students with the racket for large sums of money. Some students reportedly paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for the leaked material.
Investigators say another accused, Dhananjay Lokhande from Pune, allegedly received leaked material through co-accused Manisha Waghmare and helped mobilise students. Separate arrests and detentions in Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar have pointed to a courier-and-photo-sharing chain in which hard copies of the paper were allegedly transported and photographed before wider circulation.
The scandal first drew attention after parents in Maharashtra’s Latur complained that a mock chemistry test distributed by a coaching institute had an uncanny resemblance to the actual NEET paper. One complaint alleged that 42 out of 45 chemistry questions matched the final examination. Following the complaint, local police and later the CBI began questioning coaching institute staff and seizing CCTV footage.
The CBI is now examining whether more officials linked to the examination system or the NTA were involved. Electronic gadgets, mobile phones and documents seized during raids across multiple states are undergoing forensic analysis.
Rajasthan aspirant dies by suicide
Amid a string of suicide deaths linked to the NEET exam cancellation, another case has surfaced from Rajasthan, reported NDTV. A medical aspirant, Pradeep Meghwal of Kanika ki Dhani village in Jhunjhunu’s Gudha Gaudji area, allegedly died by suicide. The student’s family said he was expecting around 650 marks this time.
Free coaching offered
After the new date for the re-examination was announced, many coaching institutes across India began giving free help to nearly 22 lakh students, who had appeared for the test that was cancelled, reported India Today. Some experts opined a few institutes might be trying to use this situation for ‘topper farming’. These institutes may wanted to show more toppers from their centres.
