The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the NEET 2026 paper leak scandal — a case that has imperilled the futures of nearly 23 lakh students — following the arrest of Pune-based chemistry professor P.V. Kulkarni, identified by officials as the alleged 'kingpin' and primary source of the leaked question paper. Kulkarni, originally from Maharashtra's Latur district, is the eighth arrest in the case and is now being questioned not only about the 2026 leak but about every examination paper he was involved in setting prior to his retirement.

How the Alleged Leak Was Orchestrated

According to investigators, Kulkarni had legitimate access to NEET question papers through his role in the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Officials allege he exploited this access to circulate the paper to selected students and associates ahead of the examination.

Kulkarni allegedly ran private coaching classes in Pune under the name 'Raj Coaching Classes' from his residence. During the final week of April — just days before the NEET exam — he reportedly conducted a session in which he dictated questions, answer choices, and correct responses while students transcribed them into notebooks.

Investigators further allege that the operation was run in a systematic, layered manner alongside his alleged associate Manisha Waghmare. The duo reportedly approached students across Pune and multiple districts in Maharashtra through a chain-like syndicate that held seminars at various locations to identify candidates. Older students — many from engineering or other academic backgrounds — were allegedly recruited as agents to expand the network's reach.

The Money Trail

A senior Pune Police officer stated: 'We discovered that on the day of the NEET examination, Rs 10 lakh was transferred into Waghmare's bank account. Furthermore, several students had transferred sums of Rs 25,000 each to Manisha Waghmare.'

According to investigators, the syndicate allegedly targeted students based on academic performance and financial condition. Using data reportedly provided by Kulkarni — who is suspected to have had extensive access to student-related data through his involvement in the examination ecosystem — members analysed mock test results and coaching institute records to identify vulnerable candidates.

Students from affluent families were allegedly charged large sums running into lakhs, while economically weaker students were reportedly used as operational tools within the network. The amount allegedly paid for access to the leaked paper is said to have ranged from as high as Rs 25 lakh to as low as Rs 25,000.

The 'Latur Pattern' Under Scrutiny

Latur has long been regarded as one of Maharashtra's foremost hubs for medical entrance preparation, with exceptionally high NEET success rates giving rise to the term 'Latur pattern' — associated with intensive coaching methods and academic rigour. That same reputation is now under intense scrutiny.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the 'Latur pattern' of NEET coaching has emerged as a major focus of the inquiry. The CBI has already questioned owners of several coaching institutes in Latur and examined the institutes themselves. Notably, Latur was not initially considered a focal point; it came into focus after a parent filed a complaint and district police alerted the CBI about findings from their local investigation.

Scope of the CBI Probe Widens

Senior police sources indicated that Kulkarni's role is also being examined in connection with the alleged NEET 2024 paper leak and other similar cases. Before the case was transferred to the CBI, senior local police officials had already begun mapping possible links between coaching networks, exam setters, and agents operating across Maharashtra.

Investigators are now attempting to determine how deeply the network penetrated the NEET preparation ecosystem and whether similar methods were employed in previous years. The alleged involvement of coaching centres, academic intermediaries, and former examination-linked personnel has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the medical entrance examination system and its vulnerability to organised criminal networks.

As the CBI continues its interrogation of Kulkarni and pursues further arrests, the case is expected to test the accountability mechanisms surrounding India's most high-stakes medical entrance examination.