The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested P.V. Kulkarni, a chemistry lecturer identified as the alleged kingpin in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, on 15 May 2026 in Pune. The agency claims to have traced the original source of the chemistry question paper leak tied to the national medical entrance examination conducted on 3 May 2026.

How the Leak Allegedly Worked

According to the CBI, Kulkarni — associated with the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA) — had authorised access to the confidential question papers. Investigators say that during the last week of April, he organised special coaching sessions for select students at his Pune residence.

During these sessions, Kulkarni allegedly dictated questions, multiple-choice options, and correct answers from the chemistry paper. Students reportedly wrote these down in notebooks, which investigators say matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 chemistry paper exactly. Students were reportedly mobilised with the help of co-accused Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on 14 May.

Arrests and Raids So Far

The CBI registered the case on 12 May 2026 following a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Multiple special investigation teams were formed immediately after the FIR was filed, with coordinated searches launched at locations across the country.

In the 24 hours preceding Kulkarni's arrest, CBI teams conducted raids at several locations, seizing incriminating documents, electronic gadgets, and mobile phones. Forensic and technical analysis of the seized material is currently underway, according to the agency.

As of 15 May, seven accused have been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. Five of them have been produced before a court and sent to seven days of police custody for further interrogation. The remaining two, arrested on Thursday, are to be brought before a Pune court for transit remand before being transferred to Delhi.

What the CBI Has Established

The agency says the source of the chemistry paper leak has been exposed and that middlemen involved in mobilising students — who reportedly paid several lakhs of rupees each to attend the coaching sessions — have been identified. Kulkarni, originally from Latur district in Maharashtra, was arrested after extensive interrogation.

Investigations are continuing, and the CBI has not ruled out further arrests as forensic analysis of seized devices progresses.

Context and Wider Implications

This is not the first time NEET has been at the centre of a paper leak controversy. The 2024 edition triggered nationwide protests and a Supreme Court hearing after alleged irregularities surfaced. The 2026 case, with a sitting NTA-associated examiner now named as the primary accused, marks a significant escalation — pointing to a systemic breach rather than an external intrusion. With lakhs of students competing for a limited number of medical seats, the credibility of the examination process carries high stakes for aspirants and institutions alike.