Archive · 7 Aug 2026
CBI chargesheets three NTA experts in NEET-UG paper leak
NEET-UG is a very important exam that students in India take to get into medical college.
It is organized by a group called the NTA.
The exam was held on May 3, but someone leaked the questions before it, which is not fair.
Because of the leak, the exam was cancelled on May 12, and students had to take it again on June 21.
The CBI, a special police team for big cases, investigated what happened.
It found that three experts who helped make the test questions may have shared them or coached students secretly.
Their names are Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar.
The CBI officially accused them, which is called being 'chargesheeted.'
If a court finds them guilty, they could go to jail for a very long time — maybe even for life.
The CBI has chargesheeted three NTA subject experts — Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar — over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
They are accused of breaching their 'obligation of secrecy' and the confidentiality certificate they signed by leaking and circulating exam questions before the test.
Charges include criminal breach of trust by a public servant under Section 316(5) of the BNS 2023, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
The NTA cancelled the May 3 NEET-UG exam on May 12 and held a re-examination on June 21; Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan later resigned over the row.
If convicted, they face life imprisonment or a 10-year sentence under BNS Section 316(5); reports differ on the fine, citing Rs 1 crore or a minimum ₹10 crore.
- Who
- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has chargesheeted three NTA subject experts — Manisha Gurunath Mandhare (biology), Prahalad Kulkarni (chemistry) and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar (physics).
- What
- The experts allegedly breached their obligation of secrecy by leaking and circulating NEET-UG 2026 question papers; the chargesheet cites criminal breach of trust, corruption and unfair-means offences.
- When
- NEET-UG was held on 3 May, cancelled on 12 May, with a re-examination on 21 June; the chargesheet was filed in early August (report dated 7 August).
- Where
- India, with the chargesheet filed before a Delhi court; coaching and special classes were held in Pune.
- Why
- To hold the accused accountable for the alleged paper leak that forced the cancellation of the medical entrance exam.
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Accused
- Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar
- Roles
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics subject experts for NTA
- Examination
- NEET-UG 2026
- Timeline
- Exam held 3 May; cancelled 12 May; re-examination 21 June; chargesheet dated 7 August
- Main charges
- BNS Section 316(5) (criminal breach of trust by public servant), Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024, Prevention of Corruption Act 1988
- Penalties if convicted
- Life imprisonment or 10 years under BNS 316(5); reports differ on fine — Rs 1 crore or minimum ₹10 crore
