The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is nearing the end of its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, one of India’s most high-profile examination scandals in recent years. With a charge sheet already filed against 13 accused and a 14th suspect in judicial custody, the agency is preparing to submit a supplementary charge sheet that could reveal the full scope of the alleged syndicate that compromised the medical entrance examination taken by over 22 lakh candidates.
THE INVESTIGATION SO FAR
The CBI registered its FIR on May 12, 2026, following a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, regarding alleged irregularities and paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3. The agency deployed 72 officers and 8 cyber-forensic experts, conducting searches at 92 locations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and other states.
The scale of the investigation is reflected in the charge sheet: approximately 20,000 pages, supported by 360 witnesses, 422 documents, and 43 material objects.
THE 13 ACCUSED AND THE ALLEGED SYNDICATE
On July 28, 2026, the CBI filed its charge sheet naming 13 accused. The Rouse Avenue Fast Track Court, presided over by Special Judge Ajay Gupta, took cognizance of the charge sheet on August 12.
The accused include:
- Prahlad Vitthal Rao Kulkarni — Chemistry lecturer associated with NTA, alleged kingpin
- Manisha Sanjay Hawaldar — Physics subject expert
- Manisha Gurunath Mandhare — Biology subject expert
- Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar — Owner of RCC Coaching Institute, Latur
- Shubham Khairnar, Yash Yadav, Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Dhananjay Lokhande, Dr. Manoj Shirure, Tejas Harshad Kumar Shah, and Manisha Waghmare
The court observed there was “overwhelming incriminating material” to prima facie show that all 13 accused formed part of a syndicate to leak and circulate the question paper for illegal monetary gain.
According to the court’s order, Kulkarni exploited the absence of frisking protocols for subject experts at the designated venue. He allegedly carried chits and short notes prepared while translating the Chemistry paper, violating a written undertaking given to the NTA not to share any exam-related material.
THE 14TH ACCUSED: SHESHRAO BAJRANG SURYAWANSHI
The investigation expanded with the arrest of Sheshrao Bajrang Suryawanshi alias Raj Suryawanshi on September 2, 2026. Suryawanshi, from Nanded, Maharashtra, is alleged to be a close associate of charge-sheeted accused Shubham Khairnar.
According to the CBI, Suryawanshi allegedly:
- Arranged purported leaked NEET-UG 2026 questions for candidates before the examination
- Collected money from candidates or their families in criminal conspiracy with Khairnar
- Brought candidates to a house in Nanded where the leaked questions were supplied
- Collected original documents and educational certificates as surety for subsequent payment
A supplementary charge sheet against Suryawanshi is awaited.
THE FAST TRACK COURT’S PACE
The case is being heard by a Fast Track Special Court at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, established following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on July 23, 2026, for swift and stringent punishment in exam fraud cases.
Judge Ajay Gupta has driven the proceedings at an unusually rapid pace. Arguments on charge—the stage where the agency must show a prima facie case before trial begins—were expedited, with document scrutiny completed within two weeks. The CBI’s arguments concluded on September 6, and defence arguments were heard over the following days.
The Special Court’s pace is significant given the nationwide outrage over exam paper leaks and the broader reform push it has triggered.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The court adjourned the hearing on framing of charges to October 14, 2026, after the CBI sought more time to complete its investigation. The judicial custody of Suryawanshi has been extended till that date, with all accused to be produced via video conferencing.
Once the CBI files its final supplementary charge sheet, the court will proceed with framing of charges. The trial will then commence under the provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
For the 22 lakh students who took the NEET-UG 2026 examination—and the countless aspirants who will take it in years to come—the outcome of this case will be a critical test of whether India’s examination system can deliver accountability and deterrence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reports on publicly available developments. All allegations mentioned are subject to trial and have not been established in court.
Good information