The investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has uncovered what officials describe as a highly organised network involving secret coaching sessions, handwritten notes and suspected links to Maharashtra’s well-known “Latur Pattern” coaching ecosystem. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested retired chemistry teacher PV Kulkarni, who investigators believe was the main figure behind the leak operation in Pune. The NEET-UG examination, India’s largest medical entrance test, was held on May 3 with more than 22 lakh students appearing for it. The exam was later cancelled following allegations of a paper leak and is now scheduled to be conducted again on June 21. Questions Leaked In Secret Coaching Sessions Before Exam According to investigators, the operation began in the final week of April. Accused teacher Kulkarni allegedly worked with another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on May 14. Together, they reportedly gathered students through a carefully planned system. Instead of circulating printed or digital copies of the paper, Kulkarni allegedly conducted “special coaching classes” from his residence in Pune. During these sessions, students were allegedly asked to write down questions, multiple-choice options and answers by hand as Kulkarni dictated them aloud. The CBI later recovered notebooks from students and found that the handwritten material matched the Chemistry section of the official NEET-UG 2026 examination paper. No printed material or digital trail was kept to avoid suspicion. Who is PV Kulkarni? PV Kulkarni is from Latur in Maharashtra and previously worked as a chemistry faculty member at a reputed college. Officials said he retired around four years ago. Investigators also alleged that he had access to confidential NEET question papers through his association with the National Testing Agency (NTA). CBI Probes ‘Latur Pattern’ Connection The investigation has now expanded beyond Pune, with the CBI examining whether Maharashtra’s famous “Latur Pattern” coaching network played a role in the leak. Latur has long been considered a major centre for NEET and medical entrance coaching in Maharashtra. The district is known for its coaching institutes and consistently high selection rates in competitive examinations. Officials suspect that this coaching ecosystem may have been used to identify and reach students interested in leaked papers. A CBI team has remained stationed in Latur and has questioned several coaching institutes as part of the inquiry. Among those questioned was Shivraj Motegaonkar of the well-known Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC). Officials have not yet confirmed the exact nature of any connection between coaching institutes and the leak network. CNN News18 sources said Latur’s name did not appear during the initial stages of the probe. The district reportedly came under scrutiny only after a parent filed a complaint, following which local police shared intelligence inputs with the CBI. The agency is now also examining Kulkarni’s possible role in the NEET 2024 paper leak case and reviewing other examination papers allegedly connected to him. Students Targeted Through Seminar Model Investigators claim the accused approached students in Maharashtra and Pune using what sources described as a “seminar model”. Older engineering students were allegedly used as agents to identify and contact potential candidates. According to the investigation, the network particularly targeted academically weaker students based on their mock test performances at coaching institutes. Money Charged As per reports, wealthy families were asked to pay several lakh rupees, while students from economically weaker backgrounds were used mainly as “tools” within the operation. The probe found wide differences in payments made by students. Some reportedly paid as much as Rs 25 lakh, while others transferred amounts as low as Rs 25,000. Officials also found that Rs 10 lakh was transferred into Manisha Waghmare’s bank account on the day of the NEET examination itself. Multiple transactions of Rs 25,000 from students also surfaced during the investigation. Seven arrested so far The CBI formally took over the investigation on May 12 after the Union Education Ministry lodged a complaint. The case had first emerged in Rajasthan on May 7. Since then, raids and searches have been conducted in several states. Officials said mobile phones, electronic devices and important documents have been seized and are currently undergoing forensic examination. By May 14, seven accused had been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar. The agency said the investigation had exposed a network of middlemen allegedly collecting large sums of money from students in exchange for access to leaked material through the secret coaching sessions. The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has affected more than 22 lakh students across the country. The cancellation of the examination created major uncertainty for medical aspirants preparing for admissions. The controversy also triggered outrage and protests, with students and parents demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued fresh guidelines for the re-examination scheduled on June 21. The CBI investigation into the alleged leak network is continuing.