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NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Probe Widens: Botany Teacher Arrested Over Biology Questions
The NEET UG 2026 paper leak investigation has taken another serious turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Pune-based teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare in connection with the alleged Biology paper leak.
According to reports, Mandhare is a senior Botany teacher from Maharashtra and was associated with the question preparation process for NEET UG 2026. She reportedly worked at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Shivajinagar, Pune.
The CBI is investigating whether her role as a subject expert gave her access to confidential Botany and Zoology questions before the NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3, 2026.
What Is the Allegation?
Investigators allege that Mandhare was involved in preparing Biology-related questions for NEET UG 2026, especially from Botany and Zoology.
CBI suspects that confidential questions were accessed before the examination and later shared with selected candidates through a private network.
According to the probe, some students were allegedly identified through another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who had already been arrested earlier in the case.
Special Coaching Sessions Under Scanner
The investigation has also focused on alleged special coaching sessions conducted at Mandhare’s residence in Pune during April 2026.
CBI claims that students were asked to note down important Botany and Zoology questions in notebooks and mark relevant portions in textbooks.
Investigators are now examining whether those handwritten questions and marked topics matched the actual NEET UG 2026 Biology paper.
Wider Network Being Probed
The agency believes the case may involve more than just one person. Investigators are looking into the possible role of:
- Subject experts
- Middlemen
- Coaching-linked individuals
- Candidates
- Financial transactions
- NTA-linked access points
The probe is also checking whether students or families paid money to access probable or leaked questions before the examination.
Nine Arrests So Far
With Mandhare’s arrest, the number of people arrested in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case has reportedly reached nine.
The CBI registered the case on May 12, 2026, after a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
Re-Exam Scheduled on June 21
After the leak allegations, NEET UG 2026 was cancelled and a fresh examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026.
Candidates are advised to follow only official NTA updates and avoid rumours circulating on social media.
Why This Case Matters
This case has raised serious questions about the security of the NEET question-setting process. If confidential questions were accessed before the exam, it affects the trust of lakhs of students who prepare honestly.
The investigation is now expected to focus on how the questions moved out, who had access, who distributed them, and whether an organised network was involved.
Conclusion
The arrest of Manisha Gurunath Mandhare has added a major Biology paper angle to the NEET UG 2026 leak investigation. The CBI is now probing the role of insiders, subject experts, middlemen, coaching links and candidates connected with the alleged leak.
For students and parents, the key message remains clear: stay calm, rely only on official updates, and prepare seriously for the re-examination.
