The investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has intensified after the National Testing Agency (NTA) reportedly shared a list of question paper setters and translators “on its radar” with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The development comes after the arrest of 2 individuals linked to the examination paper preparation process.
On Friday, the CBI arrested P V Kulkarni, a retired lecturer from Pune, identifying him as the alleged “source of the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leaks”. Another Pune-based professor, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was arrested on Saturday.
Sources said the NTA is now overhauling its existing list of question paper setters and translators ahead of the NEET-UG retest scheduled for June 21. Officials are reportedly replacing several individuals previously associated with the examination process to ensure what the agency described as a “foolproof” retest mechanism.
Investigators traced the alleged breach to the earliest stage of the examination process — question paper preparation. The examination system involves multiple stages, including question setting, translation, printing, and distribution to examination centres.
According to NTA sources, Kulkarni was involved in preparing questions for the Chemistry section and also handled Marathi translations. Officials stated that the agency often uses the same expert for both paper setting and translation to limit the number of people with access to confidential examination content.
A CBI spokesperson confirmed that Manisha Gurunath Mandhare had been appointed by the NTA as an expert with access to the Botany and Zoology sections of the paper.
As per recommendations made by an expert committee constituted in 2024, the NTA follows strict security protocols for question paper preparation. These include selecting subject experts from across the country, appointing a chief paper setter, and conducting paper-setting activities in acoustically insulated rooms without internet access or transparent glass.
The guidelines also require paper setters to leave personal belongings such as mobile phones and laptops outside the designated area. Language experts involved in translations are expected to certify that no third party or printing press has seen the question paper content or marking scheme.
Earlier this week, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh stated that the agency had followed all committee-recommended security protocols during the examination process.
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