Authorities investigating the NEET 2026 paper leak case have uncovered that Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, owner of a coaching center in Latur, paid Rs 5 lakh to acquire chemistry questions ahead of the exam. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) disclosed this information during proceedings in a special court, linking Motegaonkar to P V Kulkarni, a member of the National Testing Agency (NTA) panel responsible for setting the NEET question paper.
The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a highly competitive medical entrance exam in India. The leak scandal forced the NTA to cancel the original exam held on May 3, 2026, and schedule a re-examination on June 21. The CBI has arrested 13 individuals connected to the case, including Motegaonkar, all currently in judicial custody.
How the Leak Unfolded
The CBI's investigation revealed that Motegaonkar conspired with Kulkarni to obtain the chemistry questions before the exam. Motegaonkar’s son attended Kulkarni’s coaching classes where these questions were allegedly shared. The coaching owner then prepared handwritten notes based on these leaked questions.
During the probe, the CBI recovered Motegaonkar’s mobile phone containing 36 images of handwritten chemistry questions, totaling 132 questions. Metadata analysis showed these images were captured about 10 days before the NEET exam date. Of these, 111 questions matched the official NTA master question sets for NEET 2026, strongly indicating the leak’s authenticity.
Key Facts About the NEET Paper Leak Case
- Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar paid Rs 5 lakh to P V Kulkarni to obtain chemistry questions.
- Kulkarni was part of the NTA panel responsible for setting NEET 2026 questions.
- Motegaonkar’s son attended Kulkarni’s coaching classes where leaked questions were shared.
- CBI recovered 132 handwritten chemistry questions from Motegaonkar’s phone, 111 matching official NEET questions.
- The images were taken approximately 10 days before the May 3 exam.
- Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with the leak and are in judicial custody.
- The original NEET 2026 exam was cancelled and a re-exam was held on June 21.
Why the NEET Leak Case Matters
The NEET exam is the gateway for admission into medical colleges across India, making its integrity critical for fair competition. This leak not only compromised the credibility of the exam but also disrupted the admission process for thousands of aspiring medical students.
The involvement of an NTA panel member in leaking questions raises serious concerns about the security protocols within the agency responsible for conducting the exam. It highlights the need for stricter oversight and transparency in exam preparation and administration.
For students and parents, the scandal caused uncertainty and anxiety, as the cancellation and rescheduling of the exam delayed admissions and affected academic plans. The case also underscores the challenges exam authorities face in safeguarding high-stakes tests from malpractice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NEET and why is it important?
A: NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. It is crucial because it standardizes medical admissions nationwide.
Q: Who was involved in the NEET 2026 paper leak?
A: The leak involved Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, a coaching center owner from Latur, and P V Kulkarni, an NTA panel member who set the exam questions, among others.
Q: What actions were taken after the leak was discovered?
A: The NTA cancelled the original NEET 2026 exam held on May 3 and conducted a re-exam on June 21. The CBI arrested 13 people connected to the leak, who are now in judicial custody.
