CBI Arrests Pune Professor as NEET UG 2026 Leak Kingpin

The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Pune-based chemistry professor P.V. Kulkarni on Friday, identifying him as the alleged kingpin in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak that prompted the exam's cancellation.

Kulkarni, originally from Latur and a domain expert who served on panels preparing NEET question papers for the National Testing Agency, exploited his access to confidential materials, CBI officials said. In the last week of April 2026, he organized special coaching sessions at his Pune residence, assisted by co-accused Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on May 14. During these sessions, Kulkarni dictated questions, multiple-choice options and correct answers, which students handwritten into notebooks. The notes recovered by investigators exactly matched the NEET UG 2026 question paper administered on May 3, officials stated.

The exam, conducted across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas centers, drew nearly 23 lakh candidates. Allegations of malpractice surfaced on May 7, leading the NTA to cancel the test amid public outcry. The Union government transferred the probe to the CBI, which registered a first information report and launched nationwide teams.