The CBI has arrested another key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, claiming she was the source of leaked Physics questions. The accused, an NTA-appointed expert from Pune, allegedly shared questions that later matched the actual exam paper sets.

Another key accused, identified as Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, has been arrested by the CBI after extensive interrogation in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.

Havaldar, who is currently employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, Maharashtra, was allegedly involved in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process as an expert appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). According to the CBI, she had complete access to the Physics question papers.

The agency alleged that during April 2026, she shared several Physics questions related to the NEET exam with co-accused Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested earlier on May 16

Investigators said the questions allegedly shared by Havaldar matched those that eventually appeared in the Physics sections of multiple NEET UG paper sets.

SEARCHES CONDUCTED ACROSS MAJOR CITIES

As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI has conducted searches at several locations across the country and seized multiple incriminating materials, including laptops, mobile phones, bank statements, and documents. Officials said forensic and technical analysis of the seized material is currently underway.

The CBI had registered the case on May 12, following a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding the alleged leak of NEET-UG 2026 question papers. Soon after the FIR was filed, special investigation teams were formed and raids were conducted at multiple locations nationwide. Several suspects were subsequently detained and questioned.

Usually, NEET and CET counselling are conducted simultaneously. However, with the NEET re-examination now scheduled for June 21 and results expected only by late July or even August, the Karnataka government said it would not be practical to delay CET counselling because of the postponed medical entrance process

Amid uncertainty following the NEET question paper leak, the Karnataka government has decided to begin the Common Entrance Test (CET) counselling process ahead of NEET-based admissions, departing from its longstanding practice of conducting both simultaneously.

The announcement was made by Karnataka Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar after a meeting with private college representatives and officials from the higher and medical education departments on Thursday.

Under the revised plan, counselling for eight CET-linked programmes — led by engineering courses — will proceed independently. Admissions to medical, dental, and AYUSH courses will be taken up separately after the NEET admission process is completed, Sudhakar said.

Usually, NEET and CET counselling are conducted simultaneously. However, with the NEET re-examination now scheduled for June 21 and results expected only by late July or even August, the Karnataka government said it would not be practical to delay CET counselling because of the postponed medical entrance process

As a result, Karnataka has decided to go ahead with CET counselling independently. The move follows similar decisions by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, both of which have already proceeded with engineering admissions, citing delays in the NEET timeline.

Sudhakar also said candidates will be allowed to participate in three rounds of counselling across engineering, medical, dental, and AYUSH admissions.

“Consider a student who secures an engineering seat during CET counselling, only to later qualify for a medical programme through NEET. That student can now make the switch without penalty. Equally important, the vacated engineering seat does not go unused — it flows back into the pool and becomes accessible to others seeking upgradation,” said an official.

The financial arrangements surrounding these switches have also been addressed. Students who exit engineering programmes to join medical colleges will receive a complete refund of fees already paid. Private colleges have committed to extending the same courtesy in reverse — reimbursing students who take over seats freed up by those who moved to medical courses.

As part of the refund process, NTA will activate a dedicated portal at neet.nta.nic.in - through which candidates can provide their valid bank account information for reimbursement of the examination fee paid earlier.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will open the online module for submitting bank account details to claim a refund of the NEET UG 2026 examination fee. Earlier, the agency had said it would open the link on May 21, however, the link is not active yet. As part of the refund process, NTA will activate a dedicated portal at neet.nta.nic.in – through which candidates can provide their valid bank account information for reimbursement of the examination fee paid earlier. Once the module is live, students will have to log in and submit the required banking details to receive the refund.

Read More | Ahead of NEET UG retest, Dharmendra Pradhan asks online platforms to crack down on misinformation

• Candidates appearing for the re-examination of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 will not be required to pay any additional fee for the fresh exam, the agency said in an official notice earlier.
• The re-examination is being conducted after the cancellation of the earlier NEET UG 2026 exam held on May 3 amid allegations of a paper leak and other irregularities. Over 22 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the re-test, which will be held in pen-and-paper mode on June 21 from 2 pm to 5:15 pm.
• In its FAQ document, the NTA clarified that the medium of examination chosen during the original application process cannot be changed at this stage.

Read More | NEET UG paper leak row: Latur-based doctor detained; CBI probes role of RCC Classes founder’s family

Present address and exam-city preference update window

NTA has allowed candidates to change their preferred exam city due to relocation or a change in their present address. The official website will be keeping the link active to update the city centre till May 21, 2026, up to 11:50 pm. The agency also informed candidates that the examination centre allotted for the re-exam may differ from the earlier centre since allotment will depend on the updated city choices and availability of centres.

NEET UG 2026 re-examination to update their personal details, specifically their present address and preferred exam cities. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21, 2026, and will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.

The NTA has formally notified the candidates for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination that the critical window for updating personal details will be closed today. Candidates can change their present address and choose their preferred exam cities for the upcoming test up to May 21, 2026, 11:50 PM. The NEET UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on Jun 21, 2026.

The test will be conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM. This 200-minute duration of time is standard for offline mode exams, as well as necessary administrative formalities. Candidates are advised to finalize their city preferences promptly to ensure they have been assigned a convenient testing centre as the correction facility will not be extended beyond the specified deadline.

Step to Update NEET UG Exam City Preferences 

• STEP 1: Visit the  official website of NTA.
• STEP 2: Access the 2026 city selection choice window.
• STEP 3: Log in with your application credentials and required details.
• STEP 4: According to your preference update your address and choice of exam cities.
• STEP 5: Submit your details prior to the correction window closing.

NEET 2026: Re-exam guidelines

The official guidelines for NTA NEET re-exam are as follows:

1. Candidates can change their address and the cities they prefer for the exam.
2. They can choose a city for their first and second exam option.
3. The NTA will not charge any money for this change.
4. Some things, on the application form cannot be changed now.
5. The language of the exam will stay the same.
6. If a candidate likes the city they chose before they do not have to do anything.
7. The NTA will keep the city choice.

The Union government’s decision to cancel NEET-UG 2026 has thrown 23 lakh medical aspirants into uncertainty after years of preparation and financial sacrifice. For many families, the exam represented a path to social mobility and economic stability, making its collapse a profound personal and societal setback. The move has triggered widespread anxiety, frustration, and loss of confidence in the fairness of competitive exams

A blow to aspirations and trust in the system

Lawmakers argue that NEET is more than an academic hurdle—it symbolises opportunity and meritocracy. Repeated controversies, from paper leaks to score inflation, have eroded public trust in the National Testing Agency’s ability to safeguard exam integrity. The cancellation is seen as part of a broader pattern of administrative negligence that undermines both student morale and the credibility of governance

A pattern of exam failures in recent years

NEET-UG is not alone in facing credibility crises. In 2024, the UGC-NET was cancelled within a day due to suspected leaks, while other national-level exams were postponed over security breaches. Experts warn of a nexus involving coaching mafias, organised cheating syndicates, and corrupt intermediaries, pointing to a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents. The New Indian Express + 1

What happens next for students and the exam system?

Proposals to restore confidence include transitioning NEET-UG to encrypted computer-based testing, strengthening biometric and AI-enabled surveillance, and imposing harsher penalties for malpractice. Lawmakers also advocate reducing reliance on single high-stakes exams by offering multiple attempts and incorporating school performance. A key demand is the creation of an independent national exam integrity authority to ensure transparency and accountability

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting to ensure foolproof conduct, tight security protocols, and student facilities for the upcoming Re-NEET 2026 exam. Check important highlights from education minister's meeting on NEET re exam here.

Re NEET 2026 Latest Update: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has chaired a high-level review meeting to check the readiness for upcoming re NEET 2026 exam. During the meeting, education minister demanded complete security and transparency to conduct this national-level medical entrance test. Pradhan explicitly directed officials to fix every possible loophole identified in NEET 2026 exam on May 3 so that it will not be repeated in NEET re test 2026 on June 21, 2026. 

Education Minister Pradhan highlighted that Re-NEET exam 2026 must be conducted under strict security to prevent any irregularities before and during the examination. To ensure this, the education ministry has to hold joint coordination meetings with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police across all participating states to make sure the exam will be held smoothly and no case like NEET paper leak further arise. These state authorities will oversee monitoring and make sur tight security measures at all NEET 2026 exam centres.

Further, the high-level review meeting focused on candidate welfare and well-being. Minister Pradhan instructed authorities to arrange essential facilities for students on the ground and make sure they do not have to face any inconvenience during the examination. These arrangements include organised local transportation, clean drinking water, and proper management at every exam centre.

New Delhi: The National Testing Agency has officially announced that the NEET UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted on June 21, 2026, in offline pen-and-paper mode from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, following the cancellation of the May 3 exam amid the paper leak controversy.

Along with the re-exam schedule, NTA has also released a detailed FAQ document addressing major concerns raised by lakhs of candidates regarding exam centres, fee refunds, city preferences, and medium of examination.

As per the official notice, candidates will be allowed to update their present address and modify their first and second preferred exam cities through the official NTA website between May 15 and May 21, 2026, till 11:50 PM. However, NTA clarified that no correction other than address and city preference will be permitted. The agency further stated that no additional fee will be charged for the re-examination and that the same exam medium selected earlier will remain final and cannot be changed. Candidates have also been informed that the re-exam centre may differ from the previously allotted centre, since allotment will be based on updated city choices and availability.

Addressing confusion among aspirants, the FAQ document clarified that the extra 15 minutes added to the exam duration are meant for documentation, biometric verification and other formalities. NTA also stated that candidates facing centre-related issues during the May 3 exam can submit grievances with supporting documents to the helpdesk. Further, the agency confirmed that the re-exam date will not be changed despite clashes with other examinations. The schedule for city intimation slips, admit cards, answer keys and result declaration will be announced later on the official website.

NEET re-exam:

 The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the re-examination for the National Eligibility--Entrance Test Undergraduate [NEET (UG)] 2026 will be conducted on June 21, 2026, following its earlier press release issued on May 12.

The exam, held for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India, will take place in offline mode from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM in multiple cities in India and abroad, with candidates also being given an opportunity to update their present address and preferred exam city between May 15 and May 21 through the official NTA website.

"In continuation of the NTA Press Release dated 12 May 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will now conduct the re-examination of NEET (UG)- 2026 for admission to the undergraduate medical courses in all medical institutions in India on 21 June 2026 (Sunday). The duration of the examination will be from 02:00 PM to 05:15 PM (IST) including time for examination formalities. This examination will be conducted in various cities across the country and abroad in Pen & Paper Mode (Offline) in 13 languages i.e. Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Those candidates who need to change their preferred city of examination on account of change in their present address may do so by visiting NTA Official Website  from 15th May to 21st May 2026. The window for updation of present address and choice of city shall be available till 21st May 2026 (Upto 23:50 hrs) only. For students who do not opt for this facility, their existing choice of city will be retained. No requests for any change will be entertained thereafter," the notice read.

The schedule of examination will be as under:

The guidelines and instructions for appearing in NEET (UG) 2026 will be same as per Information Bulletin available on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on NEET (UG)-2026 Re-examination-

1. Is the examination fee going to be refunded? 

Dear Candidate, it is informed that the option to update present address details, along with city selection with two choices, has presently been made available to candidates. The module for sharing bank account details for refund of examination fee will be provided to candidates by 21st May 2026.

2. Can I change the medium of examination?

No. The medium of examination selected during submission of the application form earlier is final and cannot be changed.

3. A message appears stating that “the city selection is unavailable based on the updated address and the application medium chosen during application form filling.” What should I do?

It is informed that the medium of examination selected by the candidate during submission of the application form earlier is fixed and cannot be changed at this stage. Candidates may refer to Para 6 (ix) of Chapter 4 of the Information Bulletin of NEET (UG)-2026 regarding the available medium options and corresponding States/locations.

4. Will the same examination centre allotted earlier be allotted again?

Examination centres are allotted on the basis of the city selected by the candidate. Therefore, the examination centre allotted for the re-examination may not necessarily be the same as the earlier centre.

5.What is the date and timing of the NEET (UG)-2026 Re-examination?

The NEET (UG)-2026 Re-examination will be conducted on 21 June 2026 (Sunday) from 02:00 PM to 05:15 PM including the time for formalities.

6. Why are candidates being given 15 minutes extra time?

An additional 15 minutes are being provided for completion of documentation, verification, and other examination-related formalities.

7. I faced discomfort/issues during the examination held on 03 May 2026 due to centre-related problems. What should I do?

Candidates are advised to forward their complaints/grievances, along with supporting details/documents, to the NTA Helpdesk.

8. The examination centre allotted to me earlier was far from my residence. What can be done?

It is informed that the centres are allotted randomly to the candidates based on choices of selected city by them.

9. The date of NEET (UG)-2026 Re-examination is clashing with another examination. Can the date be changed?

No. The date of examination has already been finalized and cannot be changed.

10. Do I need to pay any additional fee for the re-examination?

No additional payment is required from the candidates for appearing for the re-examination of NEET (UG)-2026.

India's medical entrance exam was meant to clean up admissions. Instead, it appears to have institutionalised corruption and pushed talent away from public service.

For the third time in recent years, the NEET examination has been marred by a paper leak — a phrase that has become, with grim predictability, a seasonal feature of India’s medical admissions calendar. The hopes of 22 lakh students are once again temporarily dashed. They go home, not relieved of a burden but still high-strung, facing a repeat examination and all the uncertainty that lies beyond it. Young men and women who have spent years in relentless preparation — after-school coaching, sleepless nights, the full weight of family expectation — have met their first roadblock before their journey even began. The frustration on their faces, visible in images circulating on social media, is not the frustration of a single bad morning. It is the accumulated anguish of years.

The paper leak raises questions that ought to disturb us deeply. In an era of digital encryption, blockchain-secured communication, and multi-layered cybersecurity protocols, how does a national examination of this magnitude remain so porous? The answer points, regrettably, toward structural corruption. Well-organised networks — often traceable to the commercial interests of large coaching institutions anxious to demonstrate the success rates of their students — appear to have cultivated contacts within the examination ecosystem itself: Those involved in question setting, collation, or distribution. It must also be said that NEET has provided an unintended but powerful impetus to the mushrooming of coaching centres across the country, several of them operating in conditions of overcrowding, unrelenting stress, and performance pressure that exceed reasonable human limits, driving a distressing number of aspirants toward depression, and some to suicide.

The NTA has informed candidates that a separate module for submission of bank account details for refund of examination fees will be made available by May 21, 2026

NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam FAQs: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document for candidates appearing in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21. The agency has clarified issues related to fee refund, exam-city changes, exam centres, medium of examination, and timelines following the cancellation of the May 3 NEET UG exam amid the paper leak controversy.

The NEET UG 2026 re-exam will be conducted on June 21, 2026 (Sunday), from 2 pm to 5:15 pm in pen-and-paper mode across centres in India and abroad. The test will be held in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Urdu, Marathi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Assamese, Kannada, and Odia.

Fee refund process and no extra payment for re-exam

The NTA has informed candidates that a separate module for submission of bank account details for refund of examination fees will be made available by May 21, 2026.

The agency has also clarified that candidates will not be required to pay any additional fee for appearing in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.

Present address and exam-city preference update window

Candidates who wish to change their preferred exam city due to relocation or a change in their present address can do so through the official website till May 21, 2026, up to 11:50 pm.

NTA clarified that exam centres are allotted based on city preferences filled by candidates and availability. Therefore, the centre allotted for the re-exam may differ from the one assigned earlier. The agency also stated that centres are allotted randomly based on city choices.

Examination medium remains unchanged

The NTA has clarified that the medium of examination selected during the original application process is final and cannot be changed at this stage.

Addressing complaints related to unavailable city selection options, the agency said the issue is linked to the fixed language-medium choice, as certain mediums are available only in specific states and locations mentioned in the NEET UG 2026 Information Bulletin.

An additional 15 minutes for verification formalities

The testing agency clarified that the extra 15 minutes included in the examination duration are meant for documentation, verification, and other pre-exam formalities.

Complaints regarding previous exam centres

Candidates who faced discomfort or centre-related issues during the May 3 examination have been advised to send their grievances, along with supporting documents, to the NTA Helpdesk at neetug2026@nta.ac.in.

Re-exam date will not be changed

Responding to concerns over clashes with other examinations, the NTA stated that the June 21 re-exam date has already been finalised and will not be changed.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today arrested a mastermind connected with the leak of Biology questions in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The accused named Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, is a senior Botany Teacher from Pune, Maharashtra. CBI said that she was involved in the NEET UG 2026 Examination process and was appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency.

The investigation agency said that the accused had complete access to the Botany and Zoology question papers. It said that she had mobilised prospective NEET examination candidates through Manisha Wagmare of Pune who was arrested on the 14th of this month and conducted special coaching classes for these students at her Pune residence. So far nine accused have been arrested in this case from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune and Ahliyanagar.

Out of these, five accused have already been produced before the court and taken into seven-day police custody and remand for detailed interrogation. The other two accused who were arrested yesterday have been produced before the court in Pune and shifted to Delhi after taking transit remand. In the last 24 hours, CBI has also conducted searches at six locations across the country and seized several incriminating documents, Laptops, bank statements and mobile phones.