In a significant development in the NEET UG paper leak case, the officials have uncovered an alleged exam racket that operated through closed-door tutoring sessions, handwritten answer dictations and a network of intermediaries spread across Maharashtra and other states. Investigations, in this connection, were being conducted to ensure no digital traces were left in order to prevent an investigation into their modus operandi.
One of the alleged kingpins of the scam is believed to be a retired chemistry teacher, PV Kulkarni, a suspect who has been arrested by the CBI from Pune. It is alleged by investigating officials that Kulkarni got access to the NEET paper through his past links with NTA.
The NEET-UG examination that was scheduled on May 3 for more than 22 lakh aspirants for medicine was cancelled following claims of a paper leak. The examination has been rescheduled for June 21.
How The Leak Took Place
Unlike previous paper leak cases, where question papers were circulated through mobile phones or social media, investigators say this network used a different method. Kulkarni, along with another accused, Manisha Waghmare, carefully gathered students through a planned system.
According to the probe, Kulkarni allegedly organised “special coaching classes” at his residence in Pune during the final week before the examination.
During these sessions, students were reportedly not given printed papers or PDFs. Instead, Kulkarni allegedly dictated questions, answer choices and solutions aloud, asking students to copy them manually into notebooks. Investigators later recovered these handwritten notes and found that they matched the Chemistry section of the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper.
Officials believe the handwritten-note system was intentionally used to avoid creating a digital footprint or any physical evidence that could easily be traced.
Seminar Model
Investigators claim the accused used what sources described as a “seminar model” to approach aspirants. Older engineering students allegedly acted as middlemen to identify and contact candidates across Pune and Maharashtra.
The probe further revealed that academically weaker students were specifically targeted after analysing their mock test performances at coaching centres. Wealthy families were allegedly asked to pay massive amounts for access to leaked content, while some economically weaker students were reportedly used mainly as “tools” within the network.
‘Latur Pattern’ Coaching System Under Scanner
The investigation has now widened to Maharashtra’s famous “Latur Pattern” coaching network, long known for producing top performers in medical and engineering entrance exams. CBI officials are examining whether this coaching ecosystem was used to identify students willing to pay for leaked material.
A team of investigators has been stationed in Latur and questioned multiple coaching centres, including Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC). However, officials have not confirmed direct involvement of any institute so far. Sources said the district came under the scanner only after a parent filed a complaint, following which local police shared intelligence inputs with the CBI.
ALSO READ: Inscriptions, Idols, Pillars: 9 Key Scientific Findings That Led Court To Declare Bhojshala A Temple
Investigators have also uncovered a significant money trail linked to the operation. According to officials, some students allegedly paid up to Rs 25 lakh, while smaller payments of Rs 25,000 were also traced during the investigation. Officials found that Rs 10 lakh was transferred into co-accused Manisha Waghmare’s bank account on the day of the NEET examination itself.
A total of seven people involved have so far been taken into custody from various locations, including Pune, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, and Ahilyanagar. A series of raids by the agency had resulted in the confiscation of various devices and files, which included mobile phones, laptops, and vital documents. These have now been sent for forensic analysis.
The CBI formally took over the case on May 12 after a complaint from the Union Education Ministry. The case first surfaced in Rajasthan on May 7 and has since expanded across several states.