According to the CBI investigation, Mandhare was arrested in Delhi after several rounds of questioning. Officials believe she played a major role in leaking Botany and Zoology questions before the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The exam was later cancelled following widespread allegations of malpractice and paper leaks.
How the Leak Was Allegedly Carried Out
Investigators claim that Mandhare used her position in the NTA examination process to gain access to confidential Biology question papers. She allegedly organized selected NEET aspirants through another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who had already been arrested earlier in the week.
The CBI said special coaching sessions were conducted at Mandhare’s residence in Pune during April 2026. During these sessions, students were reportedly asked to note down important Botany and Zoology questions and mark them in their textbooks. Later, many of those same questions appeared in the actual NEET-UG 2026 examination paper.
Officials suspect that large sums of money were collected from students in exchange for access to the leaked material. Some reports suggest that “guess papers” linked to the network were sold for amounts ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
CBI Expands Investigation
The paper leak investigation has now spread across several states. Raids have been conducted in Pune, Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, and other cities. During these operations, the CBI seized laptops, mobile phones, documents, bank records, and digital evidence connected to the alleged leak network.
Earlier, the agency also arrested chemistry professor P. V. Kulkarni, who is being described as one of the main masterminds behind the operation. Authorities believe the network involved insiders connected to the examination system as well as middlemen and coaching contacts.
Reports indicate that at least nine people have already been arrested in connection with the case, while more detentions are expected as the investigation continues.
Students Angry Over Exam Integrity
The controversy has triggered nationwide anger among students and parents. NEET is one of India’s most competitive examinations, with millions of students spending years preparing for medical admissions. Allegations that insiders may have leaked papers have raised serious concerns about fairness and transparency.
Student groups and political organizations have organized protests demanding strict action against those involved. Social media platforms have also seen calls for stronger exam security measures and reforms within the NTA system.
Pressure Increases on NTA
The National Testing Agency has faced repeated criticism in recent years over allegations of paper leaks, technical glitches, grace marks, and transparency issues in major entrance examinations including NEET, CUET, and JEE.
Education experts say the latest controversy highlights serious weaknesses in the examination system, especially in the handling of confidential question papers and expert-level access. Many are now demanding stricter digital monitoring, tighter security protocols, and independent oversight of national-level examinations.
What Happens Next?
The CBI is continuing its probe to identify other people involved in the leak network. Investigators are examining digital evidence and financial transactions to determine how widely the leaked material was circulated and whether additional NTA-linked insiders were involved.
The outcome of the investigation could lead to major reforms in India’s competitive examination system and increased scrutiny of how national entrance exams are conducted in the future.
