Pune biology lecturer on NTA paper-setting panel arrested in NEET-UG leak case

Students protesting outside NTA headquarters. PIC/PTI

The CBI on Saturday arrested a biology lecturer who was part of the National Testing Agency's (NTA) paper-setting committee for NEET-UG held on May 3, officials said. The arrest was made on the basis of questioning of alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni and other accused in the paper leak case.

"The biology lecturer Manisha Mandhare was arrested after being questioned by the agency. She was allegedly involved in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) examination process and was appointed by the NTA as an expert. Mandhare had complete access to the Botany and Zoology question papers," a CBI spokesperson said.

Mallikarjun Kharge. PIC/X@kharge

Mandhare is alleged to have mobilised prospective NEET examination candidates in April 2026 through Manisha Wagmare of Pune, who was arrested on May 14, and conducted special coaching classes for these students at her Pune residence.

It is alleged that Mandhare dictated leaked questions and responses to students and took lakhs of rupees as fee. Most of these questions tallied with the questions that appeared in the examination on May 3. The NEET exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.

Manisha Mandhare. PIC/X@umair_nobody

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday slammed the central government, "The Modi government's ‘Amrit Kaal' is proving to be a ‘Mrit Kaal' for students appearing in recruitment exams. According to reports, several students have taken their own lives due to the shock of the NEET paper leak. Some had dreamed of this since childhood… In Modi Raj, more than 90 paper leaks have already occurred," Kharge said.

NEET, administered by NTA, in India was conducted across 551 Indian cities and at 14 overseas centres. Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the test.

‘Education Minister must resign now': NSUI students protest at NTA HQ in Delhi

The NSUI on Saturday staged a protest outside the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, demanding immediate dissolution of the agency, and resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Vinod Jakhar, NSUI head. PIC/INSTAGRAM@vinodjakharin

Members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) participated in the demonstration held under the banner of "NTA Halla Bol", led by the organisation's national president Vinod Jakhar.

The organisation alleged that three students had reportedly died by suicide due to examination-related stress and blamed the NTA and the Centre for the situation.

Addressing the gathering, Jakhar said, "The negligence of the Central Government and the failure of NTA have shattered the dreams of millions of hardworking students."

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