CBI has arrested the main accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and identified a chemistry lecturer as the kingpin.

NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case sees major breakthrough as the CBI has arrested the kingpin and identified a key accused with direct access to question papers.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named P.V. Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer involved in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process on behalf of the NTA, as the main source of the paper leaks. Kulkarni allegedly had access to the question papers and used it to conduct special coaching classes.NEET-UG 2026 paper leak details reveal that during the last week of April 2026, Kulkarni mobilised selected students with the help of another accused, Manisha Waghmare. Waghmare was arrested by the CBI on 14.05.2026. The classes were held at Kulkarni’s residence in Pune.

During these sessions, Kulkarni dictated the questions along with options and correct answers. Students wrote them down in their notebooks. These notes exactly matched the actual question paper of the NEET-UG 2026 Examination held on 03.05.2026, according to the CBI.The agency has arrested seven accused so far from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, and Ahliyanagar in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Five of them have already been produced before the court and sent to seven-day police custody remand for further interrogation.The remaining two accused, arrested on 14.05.2026, are being produced before the court in Pune for transit remand. They will be shifted to the Delhi court.

“CBI has identified a kingpin who was the source of the NEET-UG 2026 Examination paper leaks… the questions so dictated were handwritten by students in their notebooks and have exactly tallied with the actual question paper of NEET-UG 2026 Examination held on 03.05.2026,” the CBI said.

Students and parents awaiting results or counselling related to NEET-UG 2026 should stay updated through official NTA and CBI channels. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected.Authorities have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist the probe. The CBI continues to examine the full network involved in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.