The National Testing Agency (NTA) has suspended senior physics lecturer Manisha Sanjay Havaldar following her arrest in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal. The move came hours after authorities detained her as the 11th accused in the case that has shaken the credibility of the country’s premier medical entrance examination.

Havaldar, who has been teaching at Seth Hiralal Saraswati Prashala in Pimpri Chinchwad since 1992, was reportedly appointed by the NTA as an expert for the examination process. Investigators claim she had direct access to the physics question paper and allegedly shared select questions with another accused, Manisha Mandhare, in April.

Teacher’s Long Association With Institution

School secretary Dr Satish Gawde confirmed that Havaldar holds an MSc and BEd and was scheduled to retire on June 30. Describing the development as a serious betrayal, Gawde said the institution has set up a high-level internal inquiry committee to examine the matter thoroughly.

“We have no prior information about her involvement in any such activities,” Gawde told reporters. He added that the school stands firmly with students and will extend full cooperation to investigating agencies.

Timeline of the Leak Investigation

The NEET-UG 2026 examination was held on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres, with nearly 2.3 million aspirants appearing for the test. Reports of irregularities surfaced on the evening of May 7, prompting the NTA to hand over the case to central agencies. The examination was officially cancelled on May 12, with a re-test announced later.

So far, 11 people have been arrested from multiple locations including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar. Of these, seven are from Maharashtra, indicating the leak network may have strong regional links.

 Accused Had Access to Physics Paper

According to sources familiar with the probe, Havaldar’s role allegedly involved facilitating the leak of physics-related questions. Initial investigations suggest she passed on specific items to associates ahead of the exam, though the full extent of the conspiracy is still being unravelled.

The arrest has once again highlighted vulnerabilities in the question paper handling and expert vetting process managed by the NTA. Many educationists have called for stricter protocols and better background checks for individuals appointed as question paper experts or evaluators.

 Impact on Students and Parents

The cancellation of the exam has caused significant anxiety among students and their families. With lakhs of candidates preparing for months, the decision to conduct a re-examination has disrupted academic calendars and admission schedules for medical and dental courses.

Parents in Maharashtra, especially in Pune and surrounding areas, expressed disappointment over the unfolding scandal. Many feel the leak has undermined years of hard work by sincere students.

 NTA Opens Portal for Fee Refund

In a bid to address candidate concerns, the NTA opened a special portal on May 22 for NEET-UG 2026 aspirants to submit bank details for examination fee refunds. The window will remain open until 11:50 pm on May 27. Candidates are advised to provide accurate information to ensure timely processing.

This development comes amid growing demands for greater transparency and accountability from the testing agency.

 Broader Questions on Exam Security

The NEET paper leak case has triggered widespread debate on the security of competitive examinations in India. Education experts point out that repeated leaks in recent years point to systemic gaps that need urgent fixing. From question paper printing to transportation and expert involvement, every stage is now under scrutiny.

Central agencies are continuing their investigation, with more arrests expected in the coming days. The focus remains on tracing the full chain of the leak and identifying possible beneficiaries.

As the nation awaits the re-examination date, the suspension of Havaldar and the ongoing probe serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in conducting large-scale, high-stakes tests with complete integrity. Students, meanwhile, hope for a fair and leak-proof process in the upcoming re-test.

NEET paper leak: Accused sold papers for ₹5–50 lakh; Latur coaching director's mega school project under scanner

The ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the NEET-UG paper leak case has exposed a deeply entrenched syndicate that sold question papers for anywhere between ₹5 lakh and ₹50 lakh. According to investigators, the racket operated without a fixed rate card, choosing instead to negotiate individually based on the financial background of each candidate's family.

Variable pricing for leaked papers

Sources familiar with the matter said that the gang initially collected only token money from families, retaining blank cheques and original student documents as security for the remaining payment. The financial model was heavily dependent on the actual examination day outcomes.

The gang promised buyers that the bulk of the payment would be collected only if the leaked question bank matched the actual examination paper after the official answer keys were released.

Dispute over physics questions

However, local intelligence units indicate that after the pan-India examination was conducted, several families refused to pay the full agreed amount. Disgruntled parents reportedly claimed that some physics questions did not match the actual paper distributed at centres.

Consequently, some families paid only half the settled amount, assuring the brokers they would clear the balance once the final results were announced.

Midnight raids disrupt collection

The Rajasthan State Organized Crime Board (SOG), acting on intelligence inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), launched sudden raids late in the evening. At the time of the crackdown, the gang was still allegedly actively extorting money from families.

During the ground-level interrogation of a student in Sikar who had allegedly purchased the paper, a broker called the student's phone demanding the pending payment, effectively walking into an agency trap. Subsequent CBI raids at the homes of several students across different states revealed an identical pattern of transactional security.

Mega school project under probe

The investigation has turned its focus toward Shivraj Motegaonkar, alias ‘M Sir’, director of Renukai Career Centre (RCC) Coaching in Latur, Maharashtra. Investigators found that the prominent coaching director was preparing to establish a massive school-college campus on an 8-acre plot in Khopgaon Shivar.

Construction of a multi-storey building was actively underway at the site when local authorities took notice. The CBI is currently probing his primary funding sources, recent land purchases, and extensive financial transactions. The agency has also questioned his close family members to map out the financial trail.

Legal custody and local actions

Following the CBI's aggressive action, the Municipal Corporation in Pune sealed the RCC Coaching Classes of the accused Shivraj Motegaonkar, citing independent commercial violations and tax irregularities. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sent five co-accused—Mangilal Khatik, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Yash Yadav, and Dhananjay Lokhande—to judicial custody till June 2.

The court also extended the CBI remand of another key accused, Shubham Khairnar, by five days to unearth the larger distribution network. Investigators were additionally permitted by the court to collect signature samples of Manisha Mandhre and Motegaonkar to verify handwritten notes.

Preparation for the re-examination

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the extensive preparations for the upcoming NEET re-examination. The minister directed authorities to take strict action against those spreading misleading information regarding paper leaks through fake Telegram channels and social media platforms.

So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with the pan-India racket, with six of them belonging to Maharashtra. The original NEET-UG examination was conducted across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test before its subsequent cancellation due to the leak.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, one of India’s most competitive medical entrance tests, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations of a paper leak. According to early findings shared by investigative agencies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered what it describes as a possible breach in the examination system involving unauthorized access to confidential question materials.

The case has reportedly led to the arrest of a senior botany teacher based in Pune, identified in media reports as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare. Authorities allege that she was associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert and had access to sensitive examination-related content. However, officials have emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.

Allegations of Misuse of Examination Access

According to preliminary inputs attributed to CBI sources, the accused was part of the academic expert panel responsible for assisting in the preparation and review of biology question papers for NEET-UG 2026. This role allegedly provided her access to confidential material under strict guidelines meant to ensure exam integrity.

Investigators claim that this access may have been misused to share certain questions or patterns with select students prior to the examination. It is further alleged that these questions later appeared in the actual exam paper, raising concerns about how the breach may have occurred and whether it was part of a larger organized network. Officials have not yet confirmed the full scale of the alleged leak or whether additional individuals are involved. The CBI is reportedly examining digital records, communication data, and examination workflow logs to determine the source and extent of the breach.

Examination System Under Scrutiny

The NEET examination system is designed with multiple layers of security, including encrypted question paper storage, restricted access protocols, and monitored distribution channels. Despite these safeguards, the alleged incident has highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the system, particularly in the handling of expert committees and human access points. Education experts note that while technological safeguards are strong, insider access remains one of the most challenging risks to control. If proven true, the case could lead to a major review of how subject experts are selected, monitored, and audited during national-level examinations.

Impact on Students and Public Reaction

The allegations have caused widespread concern among students, parents, and coaching institutions across the country. With NEET being the gateway to medical education in India, even the possibility of a paper leak has triggered anxiety among aspirants who invest years of preparation into the examination. Student groups have demanded a transparent investigation and strict action if wrongdoing is established. Many have also called for reassurance from the authorities regarding the fairness of the examination process and the validity of the results already declared or pending. On social media, the issue has sparked heated debate, with users questioning the integrity of high-stakes competitive exams and demanding systemic reforms to prevent future incidents.

NTA and Government Response

The National Testing Agency has acknowledged awareness of the ongoing investigation but has not issued detailed comments on the specific allegations. Officials have reiterated that the examination process follows strict confidentiality protocols and that any breach is taken seriously.

Government representatives have stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action based on the final findings of the CBI. They have also assured candidates that the integrity of the examination system remains a top priority.

Broader Implications for Competitive Exams

This case has reignited a long-standing debate about the security of national-level entrance examinations in India. Over the past few years, several examinations have faced allegations of leaks or irregularities, leading to increased calls for reform.

Experts suggest that reforms may include stricter background checks for experts, enhanced digital monitoring systems, blockchain-based paper tracking, and reduced human intervention in sensitive stages of exam preparation. If the allegations in this case are substantiated, it could become one of the most significant exam security breaches in recent years, potentially reshaping policy around examination governance in India.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak allegations remain under active investigation, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released. While serious accusations have been made, the legal process is still underway, and final conclusions will depend on the outcome of the CBI inquiry.

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NEET Paper Leak: NSUI, Youth Congress Stage Dual Protests in Delhi, Demand Pradhan’s Resignation

Student organisations rally outside NTA office and Education Minister’s residence over alleged exam irregularities and cancellation of NEET-UG 2026

Hundreds of student activists staged coordinated protests in two locations across the national capital on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the removal of the National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

The demonstrations, led by Congress-affiliated student wings, came amid growing anger over repeated examination cancellations and what protesters called a “systematic compromise” of young candidates’ futures.

Protest outside NTA headquarters

Around 11 am, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) gathered outside the NTA’s Okhla office. Led by NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar, the crowd tried to push past police barricades, leading to brief scuffles with paramilitary personnel deployed at the spot.

“We will not leave until the NTA is abolished,” shouted one protester as others raised placards reading “Merit over mafias” and “Ban the NTA.”

According to officials at the scene, the crowd swelled to nearly 300 within an hour. The protesters attempted to force their way into the premises but were pushed back by a combination of Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces. No major injuries have been reported so far.

March to minister’s residence

Roughly 12 kilometres away, another group of demonstrators gathered outside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s official residence on Teen Murti Marg. Youth Congress members, separate from the NSUI contingent, raised slogans demanding Pradhan’s immediate resignation.

Witnesses said the crowd remained largely peaceful but vocal. “The minister cannot wash his hands off this. The paper leak has destroyed months of preparation for lakhs of students,” said a Youth Congress office-bearer who did not wish to be named.

The two protests, though organised separately, shared identical demands: a high-level investigation into the alleged leak, cancellation of the controversial exam cycle, and accountability at the top levels of the NTA.

Slogans and barricades

At the Okhla site, the atmosphere grew tense around midday when several NSUI members attempted to climb over police barricades. Paramilitary personnel immediately intervened, pushing the protesters back. No arrests were made immediately, but police officials said they were monitoring the situation.

Slogans raised included “Education Minister, resign,” “NTA Director General, resign,” and “Give justice to NEET students.” Former Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri was also present at the NTA protest, according to student leaders at the venue.

Security stepped up

Authorities had deployed additional forces in both locations since early morning. Paramilitary personnel stood guard outside the NTA office, while Delhi Police maintained a heavy presence around Teen Murti Marg.

A senior police officer told reporters that security arrangements were made after intelligence inputs suggested large mobilisations. “We are allowing peaceful protest but will not tolerate any attempt to breach law and order,” the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Background of the controversy

The protests follow allegations that the NEET-UG 2026 question paper was leaked hours before the examination held earlier this month. The NTA, which conducts the test, has faced intense scrutiny over repeated irregularities. Several student groups have accused the agency of mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The education ministry has not yet issued an official statement on Saturday’s protests. Calls to the NTA spokesperson went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

With the next hearing on the matter expected in the Supreme Court later this month, student leaders have threatened to escalate their agitation if their demands are not met.

NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Rajasthan Paper Leak, CBI Takes Over; 23 Lakh Students Affected

CBI to investigate nationwide cheating network as handwritten 'question bank' with 150 matching questions surfaces days before the 3 May exam

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on 3 May, citing a serious breach of credibility following a paper leak traced to Rajasthan. The decision, approved by the Government of India, affects nearly 23 lakh students who appeared for the medical entrance test.

The cancellation came after investigators uncovered a handwritten "guess paper" that reportedly reached students in Sikar and Jaipur as early as 1 May — two full days before the exam was conducted.

CBI Brings In

The Ministry of Education has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which will now probe the alleged cheating network across multiple states. NTA officials confirmed full cooperation, adding that all records, response sheets, and digital trail logs will be shared with the central agency.

Sources familiar with the probe said the CBI is likely to summon at least 15 detained suspects currently in custody of Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG). Among them is Manish from Jaipur, described by officials as the alleged mastermind.

150 Questions Matched Word for Word

Investigators have recovered a handwritten "question bank" containing over 300 questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — all in the same handwriting. Of these, 150 questions matched the actual NEET paper verbatim, according to preliminary findings shared by state police.

Questions worth nearly 600 out of the total 720 marks had allegedly reached some students in Sikar before the examination, sources said.

The alleged trail begins with an MBBS student from Kerala who reportedly sent the material to a friend in Sikar on 1 May. From there, it reached a PG accommodation operator, who shared it with students staying at his facility.

Students Questioned, Money Trail Being Tracked

Several students have been detained for questioning. Some have reportedly admitted to financial transactions linked to the leak, officials said. Investigators are now tracking bank transfers and digital payment records.

No official estimate has been released on how many students may have accessed the leaked material. However, the NTA stated that the breach was widespread enough to undermine the examination's integrity nationwide.

No Fresh Registration, Fees to Be Refunded

In a statement issued late Tuesday evening, the NTA clarified that students do not need to register again for the re-examination. Candidature, registration details, and allotted exam centres will remain valid.

"No additional fee will be charged. The fees already paid by candidates will be refunded," the agency said. Fresh exam dates and admit cards will be announced through official channels in the coming days. Parents have been advised to ignore unverified claims circulating on social media.

2024 Haunts Again

The controversy echoes the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, which surfaced in Patna and Hazaribagh. While the Supreme Court refused to cancel the entire exam that year, it ordered a re-test for 1,539 candidates. The 2024 cycle was also marked by 67 students scoring a perfect 720 — an unusually high number — and multiple toppers emerging from a single centre, raising further questions.

Between 2019 and 2024, the NTA has faced repeated allegations of mismanagement, from multiple correct answers in answer keys to impersonation cases in JEE Mains and discrepancies in OMR sheet scoring.

What Next for Aspirants?

For the 23 lakh students who had prepared for months, the cancellation is a gut punch. Many had already begun counselling processes based on their response sheets.

"We understand the disappointment, but the decision was necessary to protect the credibility of the national examination system," the NTA said. Fresh dates are expected within two weeks.