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CBI Arrests Pune Principal for NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak, 11 Accused Held for Sharing Physics Questions

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
25 May 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:₹20,000₹25,000May 3May 12June 2111 accused
Bodies:CBINTADepartment of Higher Education
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.CBI arrested Pune school principal Manisha Sanjay Havaldar for allegedly leaking NEET-UG 2026 Physics questions, receiving ₹45,000.

2.The principal, an empanelled translator for NTA, shared questions with a botany lecturer and students, then destroyed evidence.

3.This case, part of a wider probe with 11 arrests, led to the exam's cancellation and a re-test scheduled for June 21.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has uncovered a principal acting as a 'source', sharing translated Physics questions for money. This case highlights systemic vulnerabilities in high-stakes exam administration and the legal crackdown on corruption affecting millions of aspirants.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Principal ArrestedManisha Sanjay Havaldar
School NameSeth Hiralal Saraf Prashala, Pune
Alleged Bribe Amount₹20,000 + ₹25,000
Total Accused Arrested11
NEET-UG 2026 Re-exam DateJune 21

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Principal Arrested: Manisha Sanjay Havaldar
  • ›School Name: Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala, Pune
  • ›Target this Data: '11 accused arrested' and 'Re-exam on June 21' for Prelims.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: 'National Testing Agency (NTA)' and 'Department of Higher Education, Education Ministry'.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: 'CBI registered case based on complaint by Department of Higher Education'.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The CBI registered its case in the NEET-UG paper leak matter based on a written complaint from which government department?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the NEET-UG paper leak case:

1. The arrested principal, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, worked as an empanelled translator for Physics for NEET-UG 2026.

2. The CBI told the court that she received ₹50,000 from one student for sharing the questions.

3. The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 and scheduled a re-examination for June 21.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the CBI, what total amount of money did the arrested principal, Manisha Havaldar, allegedly receive for sharing the NEET-UG questions?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was the primary consequence of the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that directly impacted all candidates?

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