Fresh arrest rocks NEET 2026: Pune Biology Professor held as leak probe widens

The arrested botany professor has been identified as Manisha Mandhare.

The CBI described her as “another mastermind who was the source of the leak of NEET-UG 2026 examination biology questions,” reported India Today.

Officials told the channel that Mandhare’s arrest followed the questioning of alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni, a retired chemistry professor, along with others already arrested in connection with the case.

Mandhare is currently employed at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce.

Sources said she had contributed to question paper-setting for NEET on behalf of the NTA for the past five to six years.

Meanwhile, amid a massive row over the cancellation of NEET (UG) 2026, the NTA on Friday announced a fresh date for the re-examination, ending days of uncertainty.

The re-examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026 (Sunday), the agency said, adding that the date was finalised with the approval of the Government of India.

“Candidates and parents are requested to rely only on the official channels of NTA,” the agency said in a post on X.

The exam was cancelled following controversy over a circulated “guess paper,” after several of its questions allegedly matched those in the main examination conducted on May 3.

The NTA subsequently decided to reschedule the test on a separate date. Nearly 22 lakh candidates had appeared for the examination.

Protests demanding the cancellation of the medical entrance exam erupted across several parts of India after allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and unfair evaluation practices surfaced.

Students and opposition parties accused authorities of failing to ensure transparency and merit in one of the country’s most competitive examinations, triggering widespread outrage and calls for accountability.