NEET Paper Leak: Question Paper Reached Shubham Khairnar Before Exam, CBI Probes Telegram Links in Pune and Nashik

CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has uncovered an alleged nationwide network involving middlemen, coaching links, Telegram circulation and possible insider access within the NTA.

The investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has taken a major turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered what it describes as a multi-state exam leak network linked to insiders, agents and middlemen.

According to investigators, the leaked NEET question paper allegedly reached accused Shubham Khairnar of Nashik on April 27 — nearly a week before the examination held on May 3. The probe has also revealed connections stretching across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The controversy has triggered fresh concerns over the credibility of one of India’s biggest medical entrance examinations, affecting more than 22 lakh students. Following the leak allegations, the exam was cancelled and is now scheduled to be conducted again on June 21, 2026.

CBI Probes Alleged NTA Insider Link

The CBI investigation has now moved beyond coaching centres and local agents, with scrutiny reportedly falling on individuals linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Among those arrested are Pune-based senior botany teacher Manisha Gurunath Mandhare and PV Kulkarni from Latur, both allegedly associated with the expert team involved in preparing the NEET-UG 2026 question paper.

Investigators claim Mandhare had access to Botany and Zoology sections, while Kulkarni allegedly handled Chemistry-related content.

According to the probe, select students were allegedly given probable questions during private sessions held in Pune weeks before the exam. Officials suspect that many of those questions later matched the final NEET paper.

Telegram, PDFs And Multi-State Distribution

The investigation has also revealed that leaked material was allegedly circulated through WhatsApp and Telegram groups.

CBI officials suspect that handwritten and typed question sets were converted into PDFs containing nearly 500 to 600 questions before being distributed digitally ahead of the examination.

The agency claims the leaked material moved from Nashik accused Shubham Khairnar to Gurugram-based Yash Yadav. From there, the paper allegedly reached Rajasthan through Haryana connections.

Investigators are also examining claims that the paper was sold for amounts ranging between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh.

The probe suggests that the network operated across three levels:

• Individuals with alleged insider access
• Agents connecting students and middlemen
• Distributors selling leaked material

Nashik-Pune-Ahilyanagar Route Under Investigation

Investigators suspect the paper distribution network operated through Nashik, Ahilyanagar and Pune before spreading further across different states.

Cyber experts assisting the investigation are now tracing Telegram groups, mobile records, bank transactions and digital communication linked to the accused.

The agency has also identified Pune-based beauty parlour owner Manisha Waghmare, who allegedly acted as a link between students and individuals connected to the network.

Nine Arrested So Far

So far, nine accused have reportedly been arrested from Pune, Nashik, Jaipur, Gurugram and Ahilyanagar.

Those arrested include: Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, PV Kulkarni, Shubham Khairnar, Yash Yadav, Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal,  Dhananjay Lokhanda, Manisha Waghmare

According to reports, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has remanded the main accused to CBI custody for further questioning.

Students Express Anger

The alleged leak has sparked widespread anger among NEET aspirants and parents, many of whom say months of hard work and preparation have been affected.

Student groups have demanded stricter safeguards for national-level examinations and stronger action against those responsible for the alleged leak network.

The CBI is now investigating whether similar patterns existed in previous examination cases as well.

Disclaimer: The investigation is ongoing and all accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Details mentioned are based on claims made during the investigation and media reports available so far.