The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested a third teacher in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Officials confirmed that the accused had direct access to the physics question paper set for the national-level entrance exam.
This latest arrest follows the recent apprehension of two other educators appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as subject experts.
The Accused and the Modus Operandi
The CBI spokesperson identified the newly arrested individual and detailed how the leak was allegedly executed with Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, a teacher currently employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune. Appointed by the NTA as a subject expert for the examination process, giving her complete confidential access to the physics question sets. During April 2026, Havaldar allegedly leaked and shared a significant number of physics questions with a co-accused, Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested by the agency on May 16.
CBI investigators revealed that a comparative analysis confirmed the physics questions leaked by Havaldar matched the official NEET-UG 2026 examination paper.
Institutional Response and Suspensions
The management of Vidya Prasarini Sabha (the parent body of Havaldar’s school) quickly distanced itself from the scandal. School official Gavali noted that Havaldar had a clean track record, adding, “There has never been any complaint against her by students, teachers, or any department. We know her only as a good teacher.”
However, the educational institution issued a strong condemnation of her alleged actions:
“The organisation has no association with this incident. It is a 103-year-old organisation… We completely condemn the actions of the teacher. The paper-setting work is completely confidential and we have never received any letters from the government that she should be given leave for this work. We have suspended her and have constituted an inquiry committee to take action.”
Pan-India Crackdown
To unearth the full scope of the syndicate, the CBI has executed coordinated raids across multiple states. “Searches carried out at various locations across the country have led to the seizure of several incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements, and mobile phones. Detailed forensic and digital analysis of the seized items are underway,” the agency stated.
With these developments, the total number of arrests in the NEET-UG 2026 probe has risen to 11 individuals spanning major hubs, including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahliyanagar.
