NEET Paper Leak Case: Delhi Court Sends Lecturer to CBI Custody

A Delhi court on May 25, 2026, sent Pune-based physics lecturer Manisha Sanjay Havaldar to six days of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody in connection with the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. The development marks a major escalation in the ongoing investigation into the integrity breach of India’s largest medical entrance examination. The order was passed by Special Judge Ajay Gupta after the CBI sought custodial interrogation of the accused. Investigators informed the court that Havaldar allegedly circulated Physics questions linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) while working as part of the examination translation process.

The case has triggered fresh concerns regarding examination security, especially after the Supreme Court recently questioned the National Testing Agency (NTA) over recurring irregularities in national-level examinations.

CBI Claims Lecturer Shared Physics Questions Before Exam

According to the CBI, Manisha Havaldar was associated with the translation and reverse-translation work of the NEET UG 2026 examination. Investigators alleged that she retained confidential Physics-related examination material and later shared portions of the content with select students before the examination.

The agency further claimed that handwritten notes containing NEET-related questions were prepared during the translation assignment and subsequently circulated through WhatsApp messages and printed copies.

Key Allegations in NEET UG 2026 Leak Probe

The investigation is currently focused on tracing how confidential examination content moved from the translation stage to candidates.

Manisha Havaldar Arrested on May 22

The CBI arrested Havaldar on May 22, 2026, from Pune. She was later produced before the Delhi court after transit remand proceedings.Investigators identified her as one of the “key accused” in the alleged leak network and claimed she acted as a source for the circulation of NEET UG 2026 Physics questions. The accused reportedly worked at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune and had been empanelled as a Physics translator for the examination.

CBI Alleges Monetary Transactions in Leak Case

During court proceedings, the CBI reportedly informed the court that the accused had shared examination-related content with students in exchange for money. Sources cited in reports stated that investigators found evidence suggesting payments were allegedly made to access confidential examination questions before the exam. The agency also alleged that digital chats connected to the case had been deleted, and certain handwritten notes were destroyed after the examination.

Another Lecturer Already Under Investigation

The CBI informed the court that Havaldar was allegedly acting in coordination with another accused lecturer identified as Manisha Mandhare, a Botany teacher based in Pune who is already in custody. Investigators suspect a larger network involving academic professionals, intermediaries and students. Reports also suggested that multiple professors from Pune institutions may now be under the scanner of central agencies. The investigation is expected to expand further as digital evidence and communication records are analysed.

NEET UG 2026 Exam Under Scrutiny

The NEET UG examination is conducted annually for admission to undergraduate medical programmes across India. Lakhs of candidates appear for the examination every year, making it one of the country’s most competitive entrance tests. The latest controversy has again placed the National Testing Agency under public and judicial scrutiny regarding examination confidentiality and security mechanisms.

About NEET UG Examination

Any irregularity in the examination process significantly impacts medical aspirants nationwide.

The Supreme Court Recently Pulled Up NTA

The latest arrest comes days after the Supreme Court reportedly questioned the National Testing Agency over repeated allegations linked to examination management and leak controversies. The court had sought explanations regarding the implementation of reforms recommended after earlier NEET-related irregularities. The observations intensified pressure on examination authorities to ensure transparency and stronger safeguards. The recurring controversies have sparked debates about:

• Examination security
• Digital monitoring systems
• Translation-stage confidentiality
• Role of empanelled experts
• Student trust in national examinations

How the Alleged Leak Was Carried Out?

According to investigators, the accused allegedly memorised or retained Physics questions during the translation process and later reproduced them for distribution before the examination. The CBI also alleged that:

• Confidential material was retained illegally
• Question content was circulated through messaging platforms
• Printouts were shared with selected candidates
• Evidence was later destroyed or deleted

Investigators are currently examining whether additional individuals inside or outside the NTA ecosystem were involved.

Total Arrests in NEET UG 2026 Leak Probe

Reports indicate that the arrest of Manisha Havaldar has increased the total number of accused persons arrested in the case to eleven. The probe is being monitored closely due to the national significance of the NEET examination and the growing number of people allegedly linked to the leak network.

Impact on Medical Aspirants

The controversy has created anxiety among medical aspirants and parents, many of whom have demanded stricter security systems and accountability mechanisms in national-level examinations. Students preparing for future NEET examinations are now closely watching developments in the investigation and possible administrative reforms. Experts have suggested measures such as:

• Encrypted digital translation systems
• Stronger background verification for translators
• AI-based monitoring of communication patterns
• Real-time audit mechanisms during paper handling

Official Agencies Continue Investigation

The Central Bureau of Investigation is expected to continue questioning the accused during the six-day custody period to identify:

• Additional suspects
• Financial transactions
• Digital evidence
• Communication trails
• Possible institutional involvement

The agency may also question other academic professionals linked to the examination process in the coming days. Further updates regarding arrests, forensic findings and court proceedings are expected as the NEET UG 2026 paper leak investigation progresses.