- The CBI named three NTA experts as the main source of NEET paper leak.
- The agency said that the NTA experts memorised the questions and noted them down before passing them to other accused for distribution.
- The agency alleges that the leaked papers did not move directly to candidates but passed through multiple layers of intermediaries.
NEET Paper Leak CBI Charge Sheet: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its charge sheet in the NEET paper leak case, has revealed the modus operandi of the accused, alleging that the NTA experts, tasked to frame the question paper, memorised questions, wrote them down on chits before sharing them with students studying in different coaching centres through trusted aides.
While the CBI has named 13 accused in the NEET paper leak case, three have been named as the main source of the paper leak. The CBI further alleged that the NEET paper leak was not a last-minute plan but a carefully planned exercise by NTA subject experts who prepared for it months before the examination.
The NEET Paper leak emerged as one of the biggest setbacks for the BJP-led Central government, resulting in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, after nearly a month of protest by students from across the country.
Who Are The NTA Subject Experts Named In CBI Charge Sheet?
The three main sources of the paper leak, as submitted by CBI in its charge sheet, are Botany expert Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Chemistry expert Prahalad Kulkarni and Physics expert Manisha Sanjay Havaldar. The charge sheet stated that the three NTA experts misused their official roles to leak confidential examination material before the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 on May 3.
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What Are The Charges Imposed Against NTA Experts?
The CBI has invoked Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to criminal breach of trust by a public servant, provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and other provisions of the BNS against all accused.
Manisha Gurnath Mandhare: She has been charged under Section 316(5) of BNS, 2023, Section 317(2) of BNS, 2023 and under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. She has also been charged under Section 10 read with Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and Section 11.
Prahalad Kulkarni: Expert in Chemistry, Kulkarni has been chargesheeted under Section 238 of the BNS, Section 316(5) of the BNS and Section 10 read with Sections 3, 4 and 5, as well as Section 11 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act.
Manisha Sanjay Havaldar: The third main accused has been charged under Section 238 of the BNS, Section 316(5) of the BNS and Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act alonmg with Section 10 read with Sections 3, 4 and 5, and Section 11 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act.
Who Are The Other Accused In NEET UG Paper Leak Case?
Apart from three NTA experts, the CBI chargesheet named Tejas Shah, Shivraj Motegaonkar, Dr Manoj Shirure, Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhananjay Lokhande, Shubham Khairnar, Yash Yadav, Mangilal Biwal, Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal as accused in the case.
How NEET UG Paper Leaked?
- The CBI, in its 94-page chargesheet filed before the Rouse Avenue Court, alleged that coaching operators and intermediaries worked with NTA subject experts to obtain the NEET UG 2026 question paper.
- It named Pune-based academy CEO Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, Renukai Career Centre partner Shivraj Motegaonkar and Siddhivinayak Hospital owner Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure among those allegedly coordinating the operation outside the NTA.
- The agency alleged the leaked paper moved through multiple intermediaries, including Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhananjay Lokhande, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar and Yash Yadav, before reaching candidates.
- The CBI said WhatsApp chats, Telegram messages, PDFs, question paper photographs and forensic analysis of seized electronic devices support the alleged movement of the leaked papers.
- Forensic examination of Yash Yadav's phone allegedly recovered PDFs of the leaked paper and Telegram chats with Shubham Khairnar. Investigators also found typed Biology questions and handwritten Chemistry notes.
- A phone seized from Manisha Waghmare allegedly contained a WhatsApp group titled “NEET 2026”, which the agency claims was used by the conspirators.
- According to the chargesheet, Mangilal Biwal received the leaked paper from Yash Yadav, who had obtained it from Shubham Khairnar. The CBI alleged Khairnar bought the paper from Dhananjay Lokhande for Rs 25 lakh, while Lokhande allegedly sourced it from Manisha Waghmare, who was in contact with NTA Chemistry expert Prahlad Kulkarni.
- After obtaining the paper, Khairnar allegedly printed and copied the material in Nashik, arranged accommodation for students, distributed leaked study material and collected money and educational documents from candidates.