Shubham Khairnar, a 30-year-old Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) student from Nashik, Maharashtra, is at the center of a NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak scandal. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Khairnar guaranteed candidates scores between 500 and 600 marks based on leaked papers. The NEET-UG exam, which is crucial for admission into medical colleges, was originally scheduled for May 3 but had to be rescheduled to June 21 due to the leak. Investigators discovered that Khairnar had been in contact with a criminal syndicate and had purchased the leaked paper from a Pune-based suspect for ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) and sold it to a buyer in Haryana for ₹15 lakh (approximately $18,000 USD). The CBI has seized chat logs and digital evidence from Khairnar's mobile phone, which revealed extensive communication regarding the scam. The leaked papers have reportedly spread to multiple states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, and Kerala. Khairnar was arrested while attempting to evade detection by changing his appearance.