The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested Manisha Mandhare, a Botany professor and member of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) paper-setting committee for the 2026 NEET-UG exam held on May 3. Mandhare was taken into custody in Delhi after interrogation at the CBI headquarters.

According to the CBI, Mandhare was a key source behind the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 Biology questions, acting as a “mastermind” following information obtained from retired Chemistry professor PV Kulkarni and other accused in the case.

Role in NEET Question Paper Leak

Mandhare, who works at the Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Pune, had contributed to NEET question papers for the past five to six years. She had full access to the Botany and Zoology sections of the 2026 NEET paper.

The CBI alleged that she leaked the questions to select aspirants through secret coaching sessions conducted at her residence in Pune in April 2026, charging lakhs of rupees. She reportedly dictated questions and answers to students, who recorded them in notebooks and textbooks.

Modus Operandi

The alleged leak followed a similar method as PV Kulkarni, who leaked Chemistry questions. Mandhare mobilized students with the help of Manisha Waghmare, another accused arrested on May 14. Both conducted special coaching sessions at their Pune residences, preparing select aspirants with the leaked questions.

Investigation and Arrests

Kulkarni and Waghmare were produced before a Delhi court, and the CBI requested 14-day custody to take them to different locations as part of the ongoing probe.

So far, the CBI has arrested nine people in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case from Pune, Delhi, Jaipur, and Gurugram, highlighting a nationwide conspiracy behind the exam malpractice.