The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has widened its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak after detaining and questioning a Latur-based paediatrician accused of links to a leaked “guess paper” network that investigators believe circulated before the examination.
NEET-UG 2026, taken by nearly 22 lakh candidates, is India’s largest medical entrance examination.
According to The Indian Express, the doctor questioned by the CBI has been identified as Dr. Manoj Shirure, a paediatrician based in Latur. Reports stated that investigators are examining whether a “guess paper” PDF circulated before the examination contained questions that later appeared in the actual NEET-UG 2026 paper. The controversy has intensified concerns over exam security and fairness in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.
Latur has long been known as a major coaching hub for competitive examinations in Maharashtra, with students from different districts travelling there for medical and engineering entrance preparation.
The investigation began after allegations of malpractice and paper leaks surfaced following the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) later cancelled the original May 3 examination after law enforcement agencies flagged concerns about the integrity of the exam process. The NEET paper leak row subsequently triggered a nationwide investigation involving multiple states and agencies.
In an official press release, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) stated that the CBI registered a case on May 12 based on a complaint received from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The agency confirmed that several accused individuals had already been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation, with arrests continuing from May 14 onward.
According to reports by India Today, and NDTV, Dr. Shirure allegedly came under the scanner after investigators traced possible links between candidates, coaching intermediaries, and leaked question material reportedly circulated before the exam.
Some reports also described Dr. Shirure as the first parent accused in the ongoing NEET-UG 2026 leak investigation.
NDTV reported that investigators were examining allegations that the doctor may have paid nearly Rs 12 lakh to obtain leaked NEET papers for family members appearing in the examination. At the time of writing, these allegations remain under investigation and have not been independently confirmed by authorities in court.
Investigators are also probing the alleged role of Latur-based RCC Classes founder Shivraj Motegaonkar and his associates in the suspected leak network. According to media reports, Motegaonkar was arrested earlier in the investigation, while members of his family, including his wife and son, were also questioned by the agency.
Investigators are also examining claims that a “guess paper” PDF circulated before the exam allegedly matched nearly 120 of the 180 questions asked in NEET-UG 2026, according to media reports. The Indian Express reported that investigators are probing whether leaked material closely matched questions in the final examination paper, particularly in the Chemistry section.
The publication also reported that investigators allegedly recovered leaked question material from devices linked to some accused individuals.
According to India Today, the CBI is also investigating allegations that special coaching sessions linked to the leaked “guess paper” may have been conducted at the doctor’s hospital in Latur before the examination. Reports further claimed that the son of the RCC Classes founder had allegedly attended these sessions.
The Indian Express reported that investigators suspect the leaked paper may have circulated as early as April 23, nearly 10 days before the examination, while some candidates allegedly received PDF copies through Telegram on April 29.
The CBI is reportedly examining financial transactions, communication records, and alleged links between candidates, intermediaries, coaching centres, and suspected members of the leak network.
Media reports also stated that investigators are probing the alleged involvement of multiple accused individuals from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana. According to The Indian Express, the CBI told a Delhi court that several accused allegedly exchanged leaked papers, answer keys, and payments through intermediaries and messaging platforms.
The allegations have intensified concerns over fairness and transparency in India’s largest medical entrance examination.
Following reports about the alleged “guess paper,” many students and parents questioned whether some candidates may have gained unfair access to exam material before the test.
The NEET paper leak row has also brought attention back to the growing influence of private coaching networks in competitive exams, particularly as investigators examine how the material may have circulated before NEET-UG 2026.
Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) reportedly told a parliamentary panel that the alleged leak did not originate from its internal systems. The CBI investigation into how the questions may have circulated before the exam remains ongoing.
The ongoing investigation and uncertainty surrounding the re-examination process have further intensified stress among many NEET aspirants and parents preparing for one of India’s toughest entrance examinations.
On social media, several students questioned whether months or even years of preparation could be undermined by paper leak allegations and unfair access to exam material.
At the time of writing, investigators had not publicly confirmed how widely the alleged “guess paper” was circulated or how many candidates may have been affected. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted on June 21 following the cancellation of the earlier exam amid the ongoing leak investigation.
The investigation is continuing across multiple states as the CBI examines possible links between coaching centres, intermediaries, candidates, and family members who may have received access to leaked material before the examination.
(Rh/MSM)
