The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a retired chemistry professor in Latur, identifying him as a key accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. PV Kulkarni, a veteran with over three decades in academia, served on the National Testing Agency (NTA) panel responsible for setting the question paper.
The Mechanics of the Leak
Officials allege that Kulkarni initially tried to sell the examination paper locally. After failing to convince potential buyers of the paper’s authenticity, he reportedly expanded his reach to a wider network.
According to a CBI spokesperson, “In the last week of April, Kulkarni mobilised st-udents, with the help of another accused named Manisha Waghmare, and conducted special coaching classes for them at his residence in Pune.”
During these sessions, Kulkarni allegedly dictated the questions, along with the correct answers and options. The CBI stated, “The questions were handwritten by students in their notebooks and have tallied exactly with the actual question paper of the exam held on May 3.”
A Shift in Leak Patterns
Investigation sources indicate that this specific leak differs from previous instances. Earlier probes typically identified organized gangs who breached integrity during the distribution of papers at exam centers, rather than those within the core chain of access.
This breach has shifted the investigation toward the very start of the process. The CBI has requested detailed information from the NTA regarding every stakeholder who had access to the paper before it was sealed, including subject experts, professors, and teachers on the preparation panel.
Expanding the Investigation
The probe has also extended to coaching institutes. The CBI questioned the director of a Latur-based coaching center that operates units across Maharashtra, seizing his cellphone and conducting searches at his residence.
The role of intermediaries has also come to light. Manisha Waghmare, who runs a beauty parlour in Pune, allegedly acted as an intermediary for Dhananjay Lokhande, a BAMS graduate who operated a consultancy in Pune. Officials noted that Waghmare received money from approximately 21 bank accounts before the May 3 examination.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
In New Delhi, special CBI judge Ajay Gupta has remanded Dhananjay Lokhande to six days of police custody. The CBI stated this step is necessary to identify “NTA officials involved in the paper leak.”
Moving forward, the agency may examine additional individuals associated with the question-setting process. We see likely that the CBI will continue to analyze the financial trails of intermediaries to uncover further collaborators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is PV Kulkarni?
He is a retired chemistry professor with over 30 years of experience in academia who served on the NTA panel that set the NEET-UG 2026 question paper.
How were the exam questions shared with students?
Kulkarni allegedly dictated the questions, options, and correct answers during special coaching classes held at his Pune residence in late April.
How does this leak differ from previous exam breaches?
Unlike previous leaks involving gangs breaching the distribution stage at exam centers, this case involves individuals within the core chain of access who prepared the questions.
Do you believe current safeguards are sufficient to prevent leaks from within the core panels of national examinations?
