New Delhi/Pune: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based educator Manisha Sanjay Havaldar in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, intensifying the nationwide probe into one of India’s most sensitive examination scandals. Investigators claim the accused had access to confidential examination material and allegedly shared physics-related questions linked to the national medical entrance examination.
According to the CBI, Havaldar was associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination process as a subject expert and allegedly circulated physics questions before the examination. Officials stated that the questions shared by her reportedly matched those appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 examination papers.
The arrest is considered a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, with authorities describing Havaldar as one of the key accused in the leak network. Reports indicate that she allegedly passed examination-related content to another accused, Manisha Mandhare, who had earlier been arrested in connection with the Biology paper leak angle of the case.
During court proceedings, the CBI reportedly informed the judiciary that Havaldar reconstructed and shared examination questions from memory after accessing the confidential paper. Investigators further alleged that money was exchanged for providing examination-related assistance to candidates.
The NEET-UG examination is India’s largest medical entrance test conducted for admission into undergraduate medical courses across the country. The examination is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is regarded as one of the most competitive entrance tests in the country.
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The scandal has once again raised serious concerns regarding examination security, confidentiality protocols, and the integrity of national-level recruitment and entrance systems. Educational experts and student organizations have demanded stricter digital safeguards, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and accountability within examination administration processes.
Investigators suspect the existence of a wider organized network involving intermediaries, educators, and individuals linked to coaching or examination support systems. The CBI has continued raids and questioning across multiple locations as the scope of the investigation expands. Reports suggest that the number of accused in the case has already crossed double digits.
The case has triggered strong reactions among students and parents nationwide, many of whom fear that repeated examination leak controversies could undermine confidence in merit-based competitive examinations. Opposition leaders and education activists have also sought greater transparency from authorities regarding the handling of sensitive national examinations.
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Meanwhile, educational institutions linked to the accused have reportedly initiated internal action following the arrest, while the CBI continues to investigate possible links between multiple accused individuals operating from Pune and other regions.