New Delhi / Mumbai |The investigation into the alleged leak of the NEET UG 2026 examination paper has widened after reports claimed that one of the main accused, PV Kulkarni, allegedly operated an organized network targeting students across the western Indian state of Maharashtra.
According to investigative reports, Kulkarni — who was reportedly associated with the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting panel — worked alongside co-accused Manisha Waghmare to build a network aimed at approaching aspiring medical students and their families.
Both PV Kulkarni and Manisha Waghmare have been arrested as authorities intensify their probe into one of India’s biggest recent examination controversies.
Alleged Network Used Seminars to Reach Students
Investigators believe the accused allegedly used educational seminars and counseling sessions as a way to connect with students preparing for medical entrance examinations.
Reports suggest these seminars may have been used to identify and approach candidates seeking guaranteed admission or unfair advantages in highly competitive exams.
Authorities are now examining whether the network extended beyond Maharashtra and whether additional individuals were involved in facilitating access to leaked examination material.
The allegations have shocked students, parents, and educators across India, especially because the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is considered one of the country’s most important academic entrance examinations.
NEET UG 2026 Cancelled After Leak Allegations
The NEET UG 2026 exam, which was conducted on May 3, 2026, was officially cancelled following widespread allegations that the question paper had been leaked before the test.
The cancellation affected millions of medical aspirants nationwide and triggered protests, political criticism, and demands for accountability within the examination system.
Officials launched multiple investigations after claims surfaced that certain candidates may have gained prior access to examination content.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting the exam, has faced intense scrutiny over security procedures and the integrity of the testing process.
Who Is PV Kulkarni?
According to reports, PV Kulkarni was allegedly linked to the paper-setting process connected with the examination system. Investigators are examining his exact role and whether confidential material was illegally accessed or distributed.
Authorities suspect the operation may have involved a larger organized network with financial motives tied to helping students manipulate examination outcomes.
Law enforcement agencies are also investigating digital records, communication data, and financial transactions connected to the accused individuals.
Public Outrage and Student Anxiety
The scandal has triggered widespread anger among students and parents, many of whom spent years preparing for the highly competitive medical entrance exam.
Students across India expressed frustration over uncertainty regarding future examination dates, admission timelines, and the fairness of the process.
Education experts warn that repeated controversies involving competitive examinations risk undermining trust in India’s academic institutions and testing systems.
Government and Investigation Response
Authorities have promised strict action against everyone involved in the alleged leak. Investigators are reportedly coordinating across multiple states to identify potential middlemen, beneficiaries, and other collaborators connected to the case.
The controversy has also reignited debate over examination security, digital monitoring systems, and corruption in India’s highly competitive education sector.
As the investigation continues, the NEET UG 2026 scandal is emerging as one of the most significant exam integrity crises in recent years, with major implications for students, educational authorities, and public confidence in the system.
