Three subject experts, whom the National Testing Agency (NTA) engaged for setting the NEET UG 2026 question paper, allegedly breached their “obligation of secrecy” by circulating confidential question papers for the pan-India medical examination, as mentioned in a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before a Delhi court.

The provisions invoked against the accused expose each of them to severe punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 crore. The CBI has also treated the three experts as “public servants” on the grounds that they were entrusted with confidential property (the examination question papers).

Experts allegedly broke confidentiality undertaking

The accused against whom the charges have been framed have been identified as biology expert Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, chemistry expert PV Kulkarni and physics expert Manisha Sanjay Havaldar.

As detailed in the chargesheet, the trio had signed a “certificate of confidentiality”, undertaking not to engage directly or indirectly in coaching for NTA entrance examinations. They had also agreed that question papers would be kept securely, that they would not personally write or type the questions and that they would not retain any notes, copies or rough drafts.

However, the CBI has alleged that the investigation uncovered serious violations of these undertakings.

Mandhare allegedly conducted coaching classes at her residence in Pune and was involved in the circulation and handling of confidential examination material. The probe agency also alleged that she facilitated the printing and delivery of question notes for unlawful financial gain.

Meanwhile, Kulkarni allegedly conducted “special classes” for candidates shortly before the examination at his residence and elsewhere in Pune. The CBI claimed he shared leaked chemistry questions with candidates for money, remained in contact with candidates, parents and co-accused individuals, and participated in the collection and receipt of funds.

Physics expert too accused of circulating questions

CBI officials also alleged that Havaldar was involved in the leakage and circulation of physics questions, either personally or through people associated with her.

According to the final report, she transmitted and handled confidential material electronically, facilitated the printing and delivery of leaked question notes, maintained contact with co-accused persons and acted for monetary gain.

The CBI has invoked provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act concerning criminal misconduct by a public servant. Under the provision cited, a public servant can face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine for dishonestly or fraudulently misappropriating property entrusted to them or allowing another person to do so.

Life term among possible penalties

According to the CBI, the three experts were deemed “public servants” because they had been entrusted by the NTA with confidential examination material in their capacity as subject experts.

Provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to criminal conspiracy, disappearance of evidence, criminal breach of trust by a public servant, receiving stolen property and cheating have also been invoked against the trio in the chargesheet.

Among these, BNS Section 316(5), concerning criminal breach of trust by a public servant, carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Additionally, the CBI has invoked provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act relating to an “organised paper leak”. The offence carries imprisonment of between five and 10 years and a fine of at least ₹1 crore.

NEET-UG, conducted annually by the NTA for admission to medical courses, had faced allegations of question-paper leakage this year. The NTA cancelled the examination held on May 3, 2026 and conducted a re-test on June 21 amid widespread protests over the controversy.