NEET paper leak: CBI books NTA experts; life term and Rs 1 crore fine possible

Three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case violated their confidentiality obligations by allegedly circulating question papers before the examination, according to the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before a Delhi court.

The agency has treated the three accused as "public servants" on the grounds that they were entrusted with confidential question papers by the NTA. They face charges carrying punishments ranging from up to 10 years' imprisonment to life imprisonment, along with fines, including a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act.

The accused — biology expert Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, chemistry expert P V Kulkarni and physics expert Manisha Sanjay Havaldar — had signed certificates of confidentiality before being assigned work for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG.


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According to the chargesheet, they had declared they were not directly or indirectly involved in coaching for any NTA entrance examination, would not personally write or type the question papers, would keep the papers under lock and key while in their possession, and would not retain any notes, copies or rough drafts.

However, the CBI alleged its investigation found that Mandhare conducted coaching classes from her residence in Pune, Kulkarni held special classes for candidates shortly before the examination at his residence and elsewhere in Pune, while Havaldar circulated confidential question papers herself and through associates.

The agency alleged Mandhare, despite being entrusted with confidential biology-related work, coached candidates, was linked to the circulation of confidential questions before the examination, received and handled the material electronically through co-accused persons, and facilitated the printing and distribution of leaked question notes for unlawful gain.

Kulkarni, the CBI alleged, conducted special classes immediately before the examination, shared leaked chemistry questions with candidates in exchange for money, remained in contact with candidates, parents and co-accused persons, and participated in collecting money as part of the broader conspiracy to leak confidential examination material.

The agency further alleged that Havaldar, despite her confidentiality undertaking, was involved in leaking and circulating physics questions before the examination, handled the material electronically, facilitated the printing and delivery of leaked question notes, maintained contact with co-accused persons and acted for monetary gain.

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The CBI has invoked provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act relating to criminal misconduct by a public servant, arguing that the three experts qualified as public servants because they had been entrusted with confidential examination material by the NTA. The offence carries a maximum punishment of 10 years' imprisonment along with a fine.

The chargesheet also includes offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, criminal breach of trust by a public servant, receiving stolen property and cheating. Among these, criminal breach of trust by a public servant carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

In addition, the three have been charged under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, including the provision relating to organised paper leaks, which prescribes imprisonment of not less than five years, extendable to 10 years, along with a fine of at least Rs 1 crore.

The NTA had cancelled the NEET-UG examination held on May 3 following allegations of a paper leak and conducted a re-examination on June 21. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan later resigned amid protests over the controversy.