CBI arrests Pune lecturer in NEET-UG 2026 physics paper leak case

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested Pune-based lecturer Manisha Sanjay Havaldar for NEET UG physics paper 'leak', news agency PTI reported.

Havaldar, employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, has been identified by the Central Bureau of Investigation as another alleged “source” of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.



“The CBI has identified another key accused who was the source for the leak of NEET-UG 2026 physics questions," a CBI spokesperson said. The agency alleged Havaldar, appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency, had full access to the physics paper and shared questions with co-accused Manisha Mandhare in April. The CBI said seized documents, laptops, bank records and phones are being analysed.


The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), conducted on May 3 for medical admissions, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency following allegations of a paper leak. The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, while a re-test is scheduled for June 21.

Meanwhile, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the government had been compelled to take “tough decisions” after irregularities were detected in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026, stressing that no deserving student should lose their rightful seat because of the “examination mafia”. Pradhan said the government was determined to ensure the re-examination remained “100 per cent error-free”.