CBI Files Chargesheet Against NTA Experts in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation filed a chargesheet in the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi naming 13 individuals, including three subject experts appointed by the National Testing Agency, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Investigators allege that the experts, identified as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, misused their authorized access during the translation and proofreading of examination materials. The agency claims the accused memorized questions or transcribed them onto notes while working at the agency's Okhla facility, subsequently passing the information to intermediaries who distributed the content via messaging applications and offline coaching networks.

The investigation indicates that the conspiracy was planned months in advance, with leaked material reaching candidates through a supply chain involving brokers and coaching operators across multiple states. Digital evidence, including phone records and data from residential access control applications, reportedly links the accused to the unauthorized distribution of questions. The leak led to the cancellation of the original examination held on May 3, 2026, and the subsequent conduct of a re-examination on June 21, 2026. The court is scheduled to consider the chargesheet in upcoming hearings.