New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against 13 individuals, including three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts, in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The agency has named the three experts as public servants, alleging they played a crucial role in leaking confidential examination papers as part of a well-organised criminal conspiracy spanning multiple states. If convicted under the applicable provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, the accused could face life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 crore.
According to the CBI, the three NTA experts allegedly accessed highly confidential question papers before the examination and unlawfully shared them with intermediaries in exchange for financial benefits. The leaked papers were then circulated through a network of middlemen, who allegedly sold them to candidates seeking an unfair advantage in the highly competitive medical entrance examination.
The chargesheet identifies the accused experts as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar. Investigators claim that digital evidence, financial records and electronic communications establish their involvement in the conspiracy. The agency also alleged that the operation involved several intermediaries who coordinated the distribution of the leaked question papers across different states.
The CBI said its investigation uncovered a sophisticated network that exploited access to confidential examination material. Officials believe the accused used encrypted communication channels and carefully planned transactions to conceal their activities. The agency has collected digital devices, financial documents and other evidence, which it says support the allegations made in the chargesheet.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, enacted to curb examination-related fraud, prescribes stringent punishment for those involved in organised paper leaks and unfair practices. Since the three NTA experts have been charged as public servants, the legal consequences are significantly more severe if the allegations are proven in court. However, all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty through judicial proceedings.
The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak sparked nationwide outrage, raising serious concerns over the integrity of one of India's largest entrance examinations. The controversy prompted multiple investigations and renewed calls for stronger safeguards in the conduct of competitive examinations.
The CBI has indicated that further investigation is continuing and additional action may follow if new evidence emerges. The case is expected to proceed before the competent court, where the charges and evidence presented by the investigating agency will be examined in accordance with the law.
